MANATEE, Fla. -- The opioid epidemic is taking its toll on some of its youngest victims: the children.
In Sarasota and Manatee counties, the epicenter of this drug problem, there's a critical need for foster homes. The Safe Children Coalition needs to recruit 100 foster families for kids from opioid-addicted parents.
Danielle Wright has been a foster parent for four years.
“He has been a joy since day one … a lot of work but a joy,” said Wright about Charles, her first foster child.
One hour after getting their foster family license, Wright got a call to pick up then-newborn Charles.
“He was born exposed … he was substance addicted,” she said.
He was born addicted to opioids and all its side effects.
“He could not withstand lighting or loud sounds. He’s been to sensory therapy, OT therapy, in speech therapy … he’s doing well, progressing well.”
Wright says she and her family of 5 chose to open their hearts and share their lives with children like Charles. She wants kids to have “a sense of love, family belonging, being well loved while there.”
The Wrights have fostered 22 kids from opioid-addicted parents.
“The need for foster families is very critical right now,” said Kristen Kandel with the Safe Children Coalition.
The coalition has launched a campaign to recruit 100 foster families for kids victim of the opioid epidemic. According to the agency, 75 percent of its foster kids -- that’s 1,200 out of 1,600 children -- were removed due to drug abuse.
“The goal for fostering is to keep kids at a safe location while parents heal,” Kandel said.
“You can be just a regular family in a 1,600-square-foot house with children of your own or no children, it doesn’t matter,” said Wright. “You just have to have a heart to love children and that’s all you need to make a difference in their lives.”
Kids stay with a foster family for up to 12 months, and 80 percent of the time children are reunited with their family, but in some cases they find a new one.
“It feels like he was always a part of our family,” said Wright, of Charles.
The Wrights adopted Charles a year ago when his parents were not capable to care for him.
"He’s amazing, we're so blessed to love him. He brings so much joy, laughter, entertaining so full of life. I can’t imagine what his life would have turned out, but I'm thankful we don’t have to. Now we get to watch see how he grows … It is a happy ending.”
Foster families are trained to work with foster children with opioid withdrawal. They are also given a monthly stipend, and each child has medical insurance through Medicaid.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10 News app now.
Have a news tip? Email tips@wtsp.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
