TUCSON — Arizona has more than 6,500 children in foster care and only about 1,500 foster homes available, StepStone Family and Youth Services said, deepening a shortage that advocates call critical.
The need is especially sharp for teenagers and groups of siblings who should stay together, the Tucson-area agency said. Staff told KVOA that myths about the process, including upfront licensing costs, keep many families from applying even though the state covers those initial expenses.
Children without a family placement may stay in group settings or temporary arrangements that are harder on older youth. Advocates are urging adults who can offer a stable home to start the licensing process rather than wait for a perfect moment.
Anyone interested in fostering in Arizona can start with the Department of Child Safety or a licensed agency such as StepStone for information on training, support payments and what ages of children need homes most.
Sources: KVOA. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: Tuxyso / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
