Lexington, Ky. – On Saturday, St. Joseph Children’s Home and the nonprofit Wednesday’s Child are joining forces for their annual Explore Foster Care Conference. The event, held from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at St. Joe’s campus on Frankfort Avenue, is designed to help Kentuckians take the first step toward becoming foster parents.

Why the conference matters

Kentucky currently has close to 8,800 children in out‑of‑home care, and the state is facing a severe shortage of foster families. Older children—those eight years old and up—are especially hard to place, according to Lisa Barber‑Atwell, lead recruitment and certification specialist at St. Joe’s.

Addressing common concerns

Barber‑Atwell explained that many prospective foster parents are held back by myths. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there about foster care. People think you have to be rich, own a home, or be married,” she said. “You don’t have to meet any of those requirements. Single adults can foster, too.”

The conference will bring together agencies from across the Commonwealth, as well as families already involved in foster care, to answer questions such as:

• Where do I start the application process?
• What financial support is available?
• How does the licensing and certification system work?
• What are the day‑to‑day responsibilities of a foster parent?

Support and resources

Attendees will receive clear, step‑by‑step guidance on the certification process, learn about state subsidies that help cover the costs of caring for a child, and hear firsthand from families who have successfully opened their homes.

Barber‑Atwell emphasized that the goal is not only to recruit new families but also to retain existing ones. “When families feel informed and supported, they’re more likely to stay the course and provide stable, loving homes,” she said.

How to register

Registration is free and can be completed online via the St. Joe’s website. The conference is open to anyone interested in learning more about foster care, whether they are considering fostering for the first time or simply want to understand the system better.

By simplifying the process and dispelling myths, the Explore Foster Care Conference hopes to close the gap for Kentucky’s children who need safe, permanent homes.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.