LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Out of nearly 9-thousand Kentucky children in need, less than half have foster homes. That's why, for the first time, several Louisville agencies are coming together to recruit.

"It is harder than I ever imagined, and it is more rewarding," Foster mother Taylor Bachman said. "It's the best thing I have ever done in my life."

Bachman currently has 3 little ones at home. The foster kids range from 17 months to six years old.

"It's a busy house," Bachman said. "It breaks my heart that I can't do more."

As of May 3rd, state data shows there are 8,841 Kentucky children in the system. Only 2,740 are in private foster homes.

"That's one maybe more kids that we can get out of an office, out of a campground, out of a residential facility," Courtney Lucas, SAFY of Kentucky Lead Foster Parent Recruiter said.

"I still get calls," Bachman said. "I get emails asking if more kids can come to my home, and it's heartbreaking every single time."

Now, a handful agencies in Jefferson County are gathering Saturday, May 16th to recruit new foster parent. This includes Benchmark Family Services, Home of the Innocents, OMNI Family Services, Operation Open Arms, SAFY of Kentucky and St. Joseph Children's Home. 

JCFCRC Foster Care Summit flyer

For the first time, several Louisville agencies are coming together to recruit new foster parents.

Each helps a unique group of kids, such as teens, medically complex kids or children with incarcerated parents.

While any help is appreciated, St. Joseph Children's Home Assistant Director of Foster Care and Adoption said the biggest need includes homes for older children.

"I don't have a lot of folks who say yes to eight and older," Lisa Barber Atwell said. 

"If there are loving and caring foster homes out there who are willing to connect and work with these children, that makes all the difference," Katie Hockenberry, Family Intervention Treatment Team (FITT) Regional Director said.

Kentucky provides trainings for foster parents and Medicaid for the children, among other services. Ideal applicants are at least 22 years old, have consistent income, plenty of room and patience.

"If you have a space in your heart and a space in your house, just take that next step and to try to learn more," Courtney Lucas, SAFY of Kentucky Lead Foster Parent Recruiter said.

"The need is too great," Bachman said. "It's it can't be competitive. It needs to be collaborative."

The Jefferson County Foster Care Recruitment Collaboration's Foster Care Summit will be a "no-pressure informational event for individuals and families interested in learning more about fostering." It's from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Kosair Community Room. That's located at 982 Eastern Parkway. Click here to sign up.

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