StepStone Family & Youth Services licensing specialist Makaio Smith spoke with WNKY news about the critical shortage of foster families in Kentucky.
Smith provided firsthand insight into the issue and discussed how, with referrals arriving several times a week and sometimes daily, agencies often must turn away placements due to a lack of available foster homes. As a result, children may be placed far from their communities, in group homes, residential facilities, or even out of state.
Although these placements provide necessary care, they can hinder one of foster care’s primary goals: reunification with biological families. Distance makes consistent visitation and relationship-building more difficult, which are essential for successful reunification.
The need is especially urgent for older youth and teenagers, who often have fewer placement opportunities. While many foster families prefer younger children, teens also require guidance, stability, and support as they prepare for adulthood. Without these connections, some young people age out of the system without the resources or support networks needed to succeed.
Currently, approximately 8,700 children are in foster care across Kentucky, with more than half working toward reunification with their families. Foster parents play a vital role by providing a safe environment, compassion, consistency, and encouragement during uncertain times.
StepStone Family & Youth Services supports foster families by offering training, resources, and ongoing guidance throughout the licensing process and beyond. Those unable to foster can still contribute by joining donation drives or raising awareness about the needs of children in care.
As Smith emphasized, fostering may feel like a leap into the unknown, but it gives people an opportunity to make a lasting difference. Even short-term support profoundly impacts a child, helping them feel safe, valued, and cared for during a critical time.
The need for foster families is urgent, and stepping forward can be life-changing for both the child and the caregiver.
Click here to read the full WNKY article.
Click here to watch news coverage of Makaio’s interview.
Click here to learn more about becoming a foster parent with StepStone.