Arizona foster care agency adjusting adoption process amid virus outbreak
Apr 16, 2020, 4:05 AM | Updated: 9:40 am
(Facebook photo/Child Crisis Arizona)
PHOENIX — Child Crisis Arizona CEO Torrie Taj discussed on Wednesday how her organization is taking steps to ensure that those interested can still become foster parents during the coronavirus outbreak.
“Everything is online and we are making accommodations,” Taj told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos and Chad.
“We are doing everything remotely. We’re utilizing Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and we are working with potential foster families to go through the training.”
Taj said that the foster care system could become overwhelmed if rates of child adoption do not proceed as normal during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“When we all get back to our normal lives … we are going to have too many children flooding the system and not enough homes and shelters to take care of all those children.”
When Arizona children eventually return to school, Taj warned that this could coincide with a strain on the foster care system, as teachers are typically those who report suspected child abuse.
Taj indicated her organization is receiving less interest from would-be foster parents than normal.
“The phones are quiet,” She said
“We need individuals in our community … to step up and consider being a foster parent.”
Those interested in foster care can inquire online or call (480) 834-9424.