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Putnam County social services seeks foster parents amid sharp local shortfall
Summary
Social Services reported a decrease in local foster homes and outlined an aggressive recruitment campaign — events, billboards, trainings and a movie‑screening to raise awareness — while confirming the lengthy vetting and six‑week training required for prospective foster parents.
Putnam County Social Services told the Nov. 21 Health Committee that the county has seen a drop in available foster homes and is mounting an aggressive recruitment and outreach campaign to increase capacity.
Staff described the current shortfall as severe and outlined outreach strategies that include tabling at community events, billboard advertising, a movie‑screening adoption awareness event and other family‑focused gatherings. Staff said the department has rented a movie theater for an adoption‑month screening and plans targeted recruitment through events such as Trunk or Treat and Harvest Fest. The department also said it will examine contracts with local cab companies to support clients with disabilities (discussed in a related agenda item).
Committee members asked about the vetting process for foster applicants; staff outlined a thorough procedure that includes home visits, safety assessments, background checks and a mandatory six‑week, once‑weekly training course. Legislators commended staff for outreach and encouraged continued public engagement. The recruitment items were recorded as FYI and moved to audit when appropriate.
