CRESTVIEW — Right now, 600 children in the panhandle area are in licensed foster placements, and about 50 of them are awaiting a forever family.
In addition, there are needs for private adoptions locally and internationally.
Often, when families feel interested in foster care or adoption, they are not sure where to begin. To help with the process, Emerald Coast Orphan Care will host an information meeting on Monday, March 16 at 6pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Crestview to explain the processes of being an adoptive or foster family.
Local foster care, adoption, as well as private and international adoption will be covered.
Emerald Coast Orphan Care is a ministry that began through Emmanuel Baptist Church and now consists of several local churches that exists to raise awareness of the needs of families and children in our area and to support the families who are caring for these children.
To accomplish this goal, Emerald Coast Orphan Care works alongside Families First Network, an area community-based care provider, and other licensing agencies like Florida Baptist Children’s Homes to help recruit and support foster and adoptive families.
“Our local agencies have some incredible staff members who work tirelessly to care for the needs of the children who come into care," said Justin Wyatt, team leader, Emerald Coast Orphan Care. "Our goal is to support their work in providing the best care possible for these children.”
If you are interested in learning more, attend the Adoption and Foster Care Information Meeting Monday, March 16, 6 p.m., at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3252 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Learn more about adoption, foster care Monday in Crestview