A Scottsbluff based Family Services Agency is appealing to Alliance area adults to consider becoming foster parents.

Tammy Benson of TFI Family Services says that, right now, there are only 9 foster families in Alliance, and she would like to see that number doubled.

Benson says foster homes are especially needed for teenagers.

“You’ve got to want to do it and love these kids,” she said. “We really need help placing 12 to 18-year-olds.”

The prerequisite for being a foster parent is being at least 21 years of age, be able to provide adequate bedroom space and a separate bed for each foster child, have reliable transportation, agree to use non-physical discipline for children, be willing to undergo a complete background check on your entire household, and be fingerprinted. Interviews are conducted so that the parent-child match is as positive as possible.

Benson says children needing foster parenting is due to mistakes made on the part of their biological parents.

“Abuse, neglect, substance abuse — that type of thing — is why these children have come into the system,” she said. “I can’t stress that enough.”

Benson adds that TFI Family Services has been licensed with the State Department of Health and Human Services to find foster care.

Benson says TFI Family Services has been offering family support for over 30 years, and has a well-established base in Kansas and Oklahoma.

To learn more, log on to their web site at www.tfifamilyservices.org. 

To visit with Benson directly, call her cell phone at 308-765-1509.