LA County experiencing shortage of foster parents; thousands of kids need homes

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- In Los Angeles County alone, thousands of children are in need of foster homes.

The Real Life Church in Santa Clarita is attempting to fill that need with a program to help and encourage more people to become foster parents.

Steve and Stacey Meyers helped begin the One More initiative at the church after the couple said they noticed a need in the community.

"Kids in our valley who were at risk, who were in need of care, he would run into them within his capacity as pastor," Stacey Meyers said.

"The 'f-word,' foster care, came into our life and as the pastor of a church I realized we have to do something," Steve Meyers said.

The Meyers, who have three children, have urged people to consider becoming foster parents.

"Challenge people and say, 'Hey there's always room for one more in your family,'" Steve Meyers said.

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services hopes more families will step up to the plate like the Meyers.

"We are experiencing, as a department, a shortage in foster homes," Robert Woolridge with the DCFS explained.

The Meyers went through a process that usually takes four to six months to become an approved foster family. It includes steps like an orientation, electronic fingerprints, training and home inspections.

"It's a little bit of stuff that you have to go through, but none of it is hard and it's good to know that these steps are followed so that kids are placed in safe places," Stacey Meyers said.

The Real Life Church is opening up its doors to anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent. The church, located at 23841 Newhall Ranch Rd., will have an informational meeting beginning at 7 p.m. on May 9.