AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging families to open their homes to foster children.

In 2015, 870 children entered state custody. Over the next year, the Office of Child and Family Services estimates 580 foster homes will be needed to care for these children. Fortunately, a majority of these children will be placed with relatives or families already licensed to be foster parents. However, the state will need approximately 66 new foster families to step forward to care for these children.

The increase is largely due to the drug crisis facing the state, with more than 60 percent of the children entering protective custody due to parental substance abuse as a risk factor. Over 1,000 drug-affected babies are born every year.

“The opiate and heroin epidemic facing Maine and the rest of our nation is destroying the fabric of our families and communities. We have an obligation to support these children and provide them with a safe and stable home. Unfortunately, the number of children in need is far outpacing the number of families willing and able to help,” said DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew. “We are asking for the public to step forward and provide the care these children need.”

The primary need for these new foster families focuses on four categories: Support reunification, care for sibling groups of three or more, care for teens and care for youths with special health needs.

Currently, there are 1,943 Maine children in foster care. Children must be placed in suitable foster homes in appropriate locations, to ensure a child’s life is disrupted as little as possible.

The process of applying for a foster parenting license begins with attending an informational meeting. These are scheduled on a regular basis in each of OCFS’ district offices. At the meeting, prospective foster parents will hear about the typical needs of children needing a foster home. Those interested must submit an application to DHHS, provide three references, consent to a criminal background check for which there is a minimal fee, allow for a fire and safety inspection of their home and engage with DHHS staff in completion of a home study which identifies the strengths and needs of the applicant’s home.

“Whether it is a temporary or permanent basis, foster parents play a crucial role in that child’s life. Foster families have the ability to positively impact the lives of Maine children in need,” said Mayhew.