You Don't Have to Be Perfect to be the Perfect Foster Parent

(Undated) -- Thousands of Illinoisans open their homes and hearts each year to care for children going through a difficult time in their lives. May is National Foster Care Month, and foster parents across the state are being recognized for the sacrifices they make for kids who cannot remain with their biological families. Karen Hawkins with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services says many people have 'what it takes' to be a foster parent, but may not realize it. In Illinois, there are more than 11-thousand licensed foster homes, but about 15-thousand children in need of foster care. Hawkins encourages any adult who thinks they might have the time and resources to become a foster parent to reach out to the Department of Children and Family Services to learn more.