At CK Family Services, we love learning more about the incredible individuals who open their hearts and homes to children in need. And in our ongoing conversations with foster families, we’ve noticed an interesting trend: 

81% of our foster parents also have a pet in their home.

That’s a really high percentage. Eight out of ten foster homes also care for a pet—that’s significant. It made us wonder if there’s a deeper connection between those who open their homes to animals and those who step up to care for children in need.

Foster parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every child comes with unique needs, and every foster parent brings their own strengths, skills, and personality to the journey. Some thrive on structure and organization, while others are natural connectors who build relationships with ease. Some love diving into research to solve problems, and others are big-picture visionaries who see the possibilities in every challenge.

At CK Family Services, we are privileged to work with families who go above and beyond to provide love, stability, and unwavering support to children in need. In particular, we are honored to highlight Tammy and Andrew Haymaker, a Treatment Foster Care (TFC) family since September 2022.

When a child needs a safe place—whether it’s the middle of the day, late at night, on a weekend, or even a holiday—the CKFS Intake Team is ready to answer the call. This dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that children in need are placed in loving, supportive homes as quickly as possible. They know our CK families well, making thoughtful placements that suit the needs and abilities of both the children and the families who welcome them.

As we observe National Single Parent Day, we take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and resilience of single parents in our community. Did you know that 25% of our verified foster homes are led by single parents? This statistic speaks volumes about their commitment to providing love, stability, and security for children in need. Their generosity and willingness to open their hearts make a profound difference in young lives, creating a crucial temporary home for those who need it most.

Some stories remind us of the incredible impact that love, stability, and opportunity can have on a child’s life. Cassie's* journey is one of those stories—a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a family’s unwavering support.

In 2017, Cassie was placed with her foster parents through CK Family Services. With the love and encouragement of her foster family, she began to thrive. Eventually, they made it official—she was adopted into the family that had already become her home.

Every Child Deserves a Home—Not Just a Bed

Imagine a child being awakened in the middle of the night, their small world turned upside down. With only a few belongings hastily gathered into a bag, they are placed in the backseat of a caseworker’s car—a complete stranger—unsure of where they are going or what comes next. Everything they know—their home, their family, their routine—is suddenly gone, through no fault of their own. They are worried, scared, and deeply sad to leave the familiar.

When it comes to fostering safety, stability, and permanence for children in foster care, it takes a dedicated team of professionals and community partners working together. These diverse players each contribute their unique perspectives and expertise, and through collaboration and teamwork, meaningful change is made.   

A Symphony of Teams: Working Together for the Same Mission   

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but for children in foster care or those who have been recently adopted, it can also be challenging. Many of these children may have difficult memories of past holidays or come from homes where celebrations were different or absent altogether. The contrast between the festive atmosphere around them and their own emotions can make this season particularly hard to navigate.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. The children range in age from infants to 20 years old. While a majority of children are less than one year old, there are tens of thousands of kids who are between the ages of one and 16 years. These children, when they are not placed in foster homes, are put in residential treatment centers or psychiatric hospitals.