May is National Foster Care Month, and in Duval and Nassau counties, Family Support Services is leading the community of care with our partners to serve children and teens in the child welfare system and reunify them with their families. But this critical work hinges on the availability of local foster families, particularly for older children and sibling groups.

Circuit Court Judge Hon. Michael Kalil notes, “We absolutely have a need here for good foster parents, good individuals who are willing to invest the time and love into a child’s life.” Foster home recruiter Cailin Smith notes having a “patient heart” and being willing to partner with children in care on their healing journey are some of the things needed to be a successful foster parent.

Click here or the image below to watch the latest Forever Family feature on Action News Jax with Judge. Kalil, Cailin and more for Foster Care Month.

Learn more about being a foster parent with FSS in our Community Tables foster care information sessions.

Forever Family – Action News Jax/FSS – Advocating for Children in Foster Care