Foster Care
In 2011, 4,672 children in the Portland, Oregon Metro area spent at least one day in the foster care system. The same year saw only 1,640 certified foster homes. The single greatest need in the state is a larger population of healthy families certified to provide safe, loving, and supportive homes for Oregon's vulnerable children.
Collectively, churches are mobilizing to share ideas and address this issue. The Portland Leadership Foundation is leading the efforts and has met with all eight metro area DHS (Department of Human Services) offices to discover ways churches can partner with the state. Open dialogue is flowing between many child welfare agencies and faith communities.