State child‑welfare staff seek Fort Thomas help recruiting foster homes

Representatives from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services asked the Fort Thomas City Council on June 15 to help recruit foster families and community partners to support children in care across the region.

Jennifer Wiki, who identified herself as a supervisor for a team that covers the northern Bluegrass region, told council there were 8,884 children in foster care statewide (as of May 1) and that the top 12 counties accounted for 1,241 children in out‑of‑home care. She said Campbell County alone has about 185 children but only roughly 50 DCBS foster homes, plus around 25 private placements contracted through nonprofits. The speakers said some children are temporarily staying in agency offices until placements are found.

The presenters asked for help distributing information (flyers and a QR code suggested for the city newsletter), permission to staff booths at local events (back‑to‑school, concerts and citywide gatherings), and partnerships from local businesses to support foster parents (discount programs and in‑kind support such as meals or new clothing for children arriving with nothing). The presenters emphasized that many placements are kinship or relative caregivers but that maintaining children in their community when possible is a priority.

Council members thanked the presenters and offered to include event and outreach requests in city communications and newsletters. The speakers said they would follow up on opportunities to set up booths and provide printed materials for civic distribution.