Our statistics document that the greatest need we now have is for foster homes/parents to care for medically-fragile infants, sibling groups, and teens.

As of September 30, 2007, 226 children are under the care and custody of Anne Arundel County’s Department of Social Services. More than 100 new children enter into foster care in the County each year. About 8% of the total number of foster children in our care now have an adoption plan.

Of the 2226 children in our care, more than two-thirds are teens and more than one-third are part of a sibling group. Nearly one-fifth of new children are under 12 months old, and of those, many are exposed to drugs at birth. Unfortunately, lots of children are in care outside of Anne Arundel County because there are not enough foster homes in the County.

Trends impacting our need for foster parents:

• Majority of our infants (0-12 months) have special needs.
• Great need for foster parets who will care for teenagers
• Sibling groups account for a large number of those in foster care
• Significant percentage of children in out-of-County care indicates that we need more Anne Arundel County foster homes
• Equal number of Caucasian and minority children.