New Hanover County in need of foster parents

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — May is National Foster Care Month, recognizing the important role of foster parents to children in need. 

Brandon and Ashley Smith of New Hanover County never thought they would become foster parents, but around three years ago, that all changed.   

“We really learned what a need there was in our community for families to take in kids that needed a little bit of help and we kind of saw our hearts open up to that,” Brandon said 

According to the most recent report from the Children’s Bureau, in 2022, there were more than 11,00 children in the foster care system in North Carolina.  

In New Hanover County, there are around 250 children in the custody of DSS, but less than 70 licensed foster homes, according to a county spokesperson. 

The Smiths said they were surprised that they already met the criteria to become foster parents.  

“We thought the requirements list would be long,” Brandon said. 

“Yeah, like you have to have kids already, or you need to be 26, or your house needs to be set up for kids, and really they just said as long as you have a loving home and are financially stable, you’re eligible,” Ashley added. 

New Hanover County DSS said it’s about a three to five month process to get approved, and classes are offered four times a year. 

Although it’s not easy to help care for a child, Ashley noted it pales in comparison to what many foster children go through.  

“I think there’s a lot of focus on the sacrifice or the inconvenience of taking in a child, but when you flip it and think about how much is gained by the child, it was a no brainier,” she said. 

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, you can visit nhcgov.com/foster.  

You can also reach New Hanover County Social Work Supervisor Alice Moore directly at 

910-798-3566 for questions about foster care.