Caritas Family Solutions launches Specialized Foster Care program
Program helps train foster parents on how to care for children with complex needs
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly half of new foster families quit within their first year, often due to burnout, lack of support and not enough training. That kind of turnover makes it even harder for children, especially those with higher needs, to find the stable and consistent care they deserve.
Caritas Family Solutions’ Specialized Foster Care program is built to support both sides of that equation, providing children with complex needs a stable home while also supporting the foster families who care for them.
LaTrenda Meyer, Specialized Foster Care supervisor at Caritas, said the program launched last fall after the Caritas team recognized a growing need for more specialized care in foster homes.
“A lot of times, people hear ‘higher needs’ and feel intimidated, but it simply means a child may require additional emotional, medical or physical support, and they need to know they’re not doing it alone,” Meyer explained. “A 6-year-old with special needs deserves the opportunity to grow up in a supportive home environment, with caregivers who have the training and resources to fully understand and meet their needs.”
The program builds a strong partnership between foster parents, youth and case management teams, with a shared goal to create stability, healing and growth. Through rigorous training in trauma-informed care, behavior management, medical support and crisis intervention, specialized foster parents are equipped to meet the unique needs of children facing trauma, behavioral challenges or special needs.
“Caregivers often see the behavior but not the underlying cause,” Meyer said. “That’s where we come in. Because our team carries a smaller caseload, we’re able to be more hands-on, advocating for each child while supporting foster parents every step of the way.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education, nearly 400,000 children in the United States are in foster care, and close to 30% have special health care needs. For many of these kids, that combination becomes a painful pattern: more moves, more disruption, and rates of anxiety, ADHD, and depression three times higher than their peers. Behind every statistic is a child who deserves stability, and that’s exactly who Caritas is here for.
“With so many children facing these challenges, programs that provide stability and meaningful support are more important than ever in helping them build brighter futures,” Meyer said. “Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and understood, and our team at Caritas is committed to providing the care and resources they need not just to get by, but truly thrive.”
About Caritas Family Solutions
Founded in 1947, Caritas Family Solutions is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families in order to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities. Services include adoption, foster care, pregnancy care, Intact Family Services, residential treatment for children healing from abuse and/or neglect as well as a youth emergency shelter. Caritas also offers behavioral health services including substance use treatment, professional counseling, independent living and employment services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental health housing and supportive services. Caritas serves more than 6,500 individuals annually across southern Illinois from offices located in Belleville, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Waterloo, Olney, Glen Carbon, Alton, and Effingham, as well as satellite locations in Highland and Sparta. For additional information, visit www.caritasfamilysolutions.org.
