New Hanover County urgently seeks foster families amid growing need

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With National Foster Care Month coming to a close, the nation is still facing a shortage of foster parents.   

In North Carolina alone, nearly 11,000 children are in foster care. 

Narrowing that down to New Hanover County, 434 children were placed in the Department of Social Services (DSS) custody in 2024.  

There are currently about 60 licensed foster families, but New Hanover County foster home licensing supervisor, Alice Moore, says they need more.

“We’re always in need of more foster families because there is just an ongoing need when children cannot be home with their family,” Moore emphasized. 

If you are considering becoming a foster family, Moore says the first step is to contact the county’s Department of Social Services. 

“A social worker will come out and meet with the family. Explain the process, meet everyone in the home and invite them to our next class. We do criminal background checks there’s a fire safety inspection. It’s about a 3-to-4-month process to become licensed,” Moore explained.  

New Hanover County holds classes four times a year, one each season for those looking to become foster parents.  

“The class teaches all about the court system, things that children have been through and how to prepare for children in their home,” Moore shared.  

Once you get licensed, you will not be alone.   

“The family is assigned their own social worker that walks them through the process and provides ongoing training and support,” Moore added. 

If you are looking to become a foster family, be sure to contact your county’s specific Department of Social Services.  If you live in New Hanover County, you can call Moore to be connected with a social worker at 910-798-3566 or head to their website.