Union County Human Services urges families to foster as about 160 children remain in care

Keith Rory, a foster parent recruiter and trainer with Union County Human Services, urged residents to consider becoming foster or adoptive parents, saying the agency is "in dire straits and desperate needs" for families.

Rory said Union County currently has "approximately a 160 kids" in foster care and described the agency's goals for permanence, which include reunification with families, long-term fostering and fostering-to-adopt. "When they're placed with the right family, I believe that they help guide them," he said.

Rory framed recruitment as both urgent and personal. He said he has worked as a recruiter for nearly two years and that outreach is a passion: "I enjoy going out in the community and talking with folks and tell them about becoming a foster parent or an adoptive parent with our agency." He emphasized that the agency supports foster families and urged neighbors to consider opening their homes.

On practical expectations, Rory told prospective parents they do not need to do anything extraordinary: "Really, to be a foster parent, you just have to be really laid back. You know, treat them just like you do with your kids." He addressed a common concern about attachment, saying, "If you get too attached, you're doing it correctly. These kids are looking for attachment. They're looking for love. They're looking for compassion."

Rory closed with a direct appeal: "We would love for you to become part of our Union County family and welcome a child into your home." The presentation was a recruitment-focused announcement; no formal actions or votes were recorded.