Former NW Kan. foster youth inspires children in care

Kansas Department of Children and Families

TOPEKA – More than 6,000 Kansas children are in foster care for a variety of reasons. The most prevalent reason is physical abuse. Drug abuse is often a factor in these homes. For many of these children, being removed from their home is a frightening and traumatic experience. But for one Kansas man, he says it was the best thing that could have happened to him. Dr. Jaime Schwandt, Cheney, is now inspiring others in care to embrace their experience and build the life they deserve.

“Foster care saved my life, in little Kensington, Kansas,” said Schwandt, who also is a contributor to HaysPost.com. “I can’t thank all the people of that town enough. If it wasn’t for foster care, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Foster care in Kansas should be a model to the nation.”

Schwandt, author of “Succeeding as a Foster Child: A Roadmap to Overcoming Obstacles” and “Achieving Success,” was one of several speakers who addressed a crowd this week, at the State Capitol Building in Topeka. The Kansas Department for Children and Families hosted an annual informational event on foster care, in honor of Foster Care Month. The afternoon included a news conference, nearly a dozen booths on foster care services, a lunch provided by DCF’s foster care contractors, KVC and Saint Francis Community Services, and music from the Topeka High School jazz band.

Other speakers at the event included Eugene (Gene) and Joy Rothfuss, Colby, who since 2011, have fostered approximately 60 children. The pastor and his wife encourage others to consider becoming foster parents.

“Foster parenting is very rewarding, though not always easy,” Gene Rothfuss said. “We have chosen to be foster parents because it makes a difference in the world. It takes a lot of people working together to care for these children, and the foster parents are the boots on the ground. When that child takes your hand and puts their trust in you, then it’s worth it.”

Gov. Sam Brownback applauded those who give their time, attention and love to children in foster care.

“Being a foster parent is one of the most selfless things a person can do,” Governor Brownback said. “We have too many children coming from homes where their parents cannot or choose not to care for their sons and daughters. We are fortunate to have foster parents ready and willing to provide them a safe and loving home.”

Informational booths and tables were sponsored by stakeholder groups including KVC, Saint Francis Community Services, Children’s Alliance, DCCCA, Ember Hope, Global Orphan Project, KCSL, KFAPA, KYAC, Project Belong, Safe Families, TFI and Wichita Children’s Home.

Brownback officially designated May as Foster Care Month at a proclamation signing on April 21, at the State Capitol Building.

FOSTER CARE STATISTICS:
• There are currently 6,337 children in foster care in Kansas (as of March 31, 2015).
• Approximately 2,500 family foster homes are licensed in Kansas.
• Approximately 360 children are available for adoption in the state.
• 95 percent of children in foster care are placed in a family-like setting.
• The average age of a foster child is eight.
• 32 percent of children are placed with a relative.
• Of the children in out-of-home placement 57 percent have a case plan goal of reintegration (returning home).

To be a foster parent you must:
• Be at least 21
• Pass background checks
• Have sufficient income
• Participate in a family assessment
• Complete training
• Obtain sponsorship
• Complete first aid training
• Be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Learn more about foster care in Kansas by contacting KVC in the DCF East and Kansas City regions and St. Francis Community Services in DCF’s Wichita and West regions. Contract information is available at www.dcf.ks.gov.

Learn more about Schwandt at www.jaimeschwandt.com.