Kemmerer Village’s Foster Care program, a critical support for vulnerable children in Illinois, has expanded significantly since its humble beginnings in 1984. Originally managing just 55 cases with a small team of four caseworkers and a supervisor, the program has now grown into a robust operation. By 2017, the number of active cases surged to 212, supported by 15 caseworkers, three supervisors, and a director. Today, the urgent need for foster care in Illinois is more pronounced than ever, with over 10,000 children in the system statewide.

Kemmerer Village currently cares for 134 children, placing them with relatives and in 23 traditional foster homes. This near-crisis level, driven by escalating cases of child abuse and neglect, underscores the pressing demand for more foster families. When the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) deems a child’s living situation unsafe, a judge can intervene to remove the child from their home, initiating the foster care process.

The primary goal for Kemmerer Village caseworkers is to reunite children with their biological families whenever possible, preserving family bonds and continuity. If a safe return home isn’t feasible, the focus shifts toward providing a permanent home through guardianship or adoption. The program has seen notable success in its adoption efforts since launching in 1998. By 2013, the program facilitated 50 adoptions, and it reached its 100th adoption milestone in 2020. In 2023, the team celebrated its 150th adoption and is on track to reach 200 by the end of 2024.

For those interested in supporting this vital work, Kemmerer Village encourages prospective foster parents to consider opening their homes to a child in need. "Becoming a foster parent can bring stability and hope to a child in our community," says Jeannie Karbach, who can be reached at Jeannie.Karbach@KemmererVillage.org. The program seeks to continue its impactful work, helping to address the critical need for foster homes across Illinois.