Partnership for Strong Families runs foster care info sessions in May

The Partnership for Strong Families is headquartered in Gainesville.

Courtesy of PSF

Key Points

May is National Foster Care Month and Gainesville’s Partnership for Strong Families (PSF) is raising awareness about foster care, the need for foster parents, and inviting the community to join them in supporting foster families.

According to a press release from the child welfare organization, 170 children are living in foster care in Alachua County. This number is down from 227 in 2024.

These children have been sheltered or removed from their biological homes due to abuse, neglect and abandonment, and placed in foster care for safety. Foster care aims to give children a loving and nurturing place to heal and survive while biological parents work to bring their children home safely.

PSF is hosting virtual info sessions at 7 p.m. on May 21 and May 26 for anyone who would like to learn more about foster care in their community. The sessions serve as opportunities to hear from experienced professionals about the roles everyone can play in supporting children and families.

PSF also encourages the community to donate gift baskets and certificates in appreciation of foster families throughout the month of May.

According to the release, PSF is the lead community-based care agency for Florida Judicial Circuits Three and Eight, including Alachua County. PSF serves more than 5,000 children in thirteen counties annually.

The organization is contracted by the Florida Department of Children and Families to deliver comprehensive child welfare services to children who are victims of abuse and neglect. PSF also works with at-risk families to prevent child abuse and decrease the risk of children entering the foster care system.

“Getting involved in foster care is a great way to serve your community!” said a foster parent named Brittany in the release. “Personally, I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to come alongside kids and families to help them heal and thrive. Once you see the need, it’s impossible to turn a blind eye.”

For more information on fostering, the session, or PSF, contact PSF Outreach Recruitment Specialist Chelsea Bowlin at Chelsea.Bowlin@pfsf.org.