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Currently there are more than 500 children in the dependency system in Osceola County, according to the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Osceola County’s Osceola Guardian ad Litem program website.
A local nonprofit is holding an event at Kissimmee City Hall May 4 to bring attention to the needs of foster children in Osceola County.
Foster Youth Connection, which is comprised of area churches, is trying to help reduce the number of foster youth in Osceola County.
The event, starting at 5:30 p.m., will feature music and other entertainment as well as a question and answer session with foster youth agencies before the Kissimmee City Commission declares May as Foster Youth Connection Month at its 6 p.m. meeting.
Foster Youth Connection was established by Evangelist Rupert Henry. The event is a way to inform the public how they can foster, adopt or help the foster children.
“You don’t have to adopt the child to help a child,” Henry said. “There are so many things you can do.”
Currently there are more than 500 children in the dependency system in Osceola County, according to the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Osceola County’s Osceola Guardian ad Litem program website. A guardian ad litem is appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of the child. These children have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
“Often times, our kids are bounced around from foster home to foster home, and their case workers often fluctuateleaving them with uncertainty and no one they can truly trust,” the website stated.
The main goal is to ensure the foster children are safe and sound, Henry said.
“We hope they can be more aware there is a community praying and supporting them,” Henry said. “We just want these kids to have homes and have a place where they feel secure and have a life ahead of them.”
There will be information available at the event about adoption and fostering opportunities at the event.
Due to COVD-19, the public should practice social distancing and wear a facemask. Bring a folding chair and umbrella if possible.
For more information, email Yesucan37@aol. com. or call 407-325-3195.
