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Gaston County officials: foster home shortage leaves many children placed outside home communities
Summary
County social services officials told commissioners that Gaston County has more than 351 children in foster care but only 92 licensed homes locally, driving placements away from home communities; staff urged churches and residents to help recruit foster families and shared QR-linked outreach materials.
Kanika Drakeford, foster care licensing supervisor for Gaston County, told the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 13 that the county is facing a significant shortage of local foster homes.
"As of April 2024, there are 10,846 children in foster care across North Carolina," Drakeford said, adding that statewide there are roughly 6,057 licensed foster homes. "There are over 351 children in foster care here in Gaston County. However, we only have 92 homes that have the capacity to accommodate a 182 kids." She and a county quality-assurance specialist described the result as frequent placements outside children’s home communities, which increases trauma for children and disruptions to school and relationships.
The presenters said neglect is the leading cause of…
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