To the editor:

In Florida each year, over 9,000 children are placed into foster care because they experience neglect or abuse in their own homes. Their families are in crisis and their parents are unable to provide for their wellbeing.

Through my work with these young people, I know how resilient they can be. Foster children have an extraordinary capacity to overcome many challenges, but only if they have the support of a caring adult in their lives. What sets foster parents apart is their amazing ability to love a foster child like one of their own, regardless of whether the child lives with them for a month or for more than a year. Foster parents have the challenging task of providing an atmosphere that helps a child heal and prepare to go back home, if possible, or on to a new permanent home. Foster parents are a vital resource for these children as they wait in limbo, between a painful past and an uncertain future.

The National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) trains, licenses and manages foster parents and homes for youth who involved in the child welfare system in Lee County. Although there are many wonderful foster parents in Lehigh Acres, there is a tremendous need for more. If you have ever thought about becoming a foster parent or would just like to talk to us to learn more about the benefits and rewards of fostering, we would love to talk to you. You have the power to do something positive that will change the life of a young person in foster care.

NYAP specifically works with and looks to place children with the following particular needs:

* Children with minor medical issues

* Children who are dealing with issues surrounding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or questioning issues

* Children who have issues surrounding substance abuse

* Children who have mild behavioral issues

Please give us a call at (321) 722-7778 or visit www.nyap.org.

Melanie Brock

NYAP