Sevier Co. faces foster parent

chantalle@theheraldnewspapers.com Sevier County has a foster parent shortage. Youth Village is currently recruiting foster parents to give a healthy loving environment to foster children in Sevier County. Potential foster parents need to complete a ten week training class and a background check in order to have a child placed in their home. The classes educate parents on the foster system rules and regulations. “We need parents of all types,” says Edwin Wright, of Youth Village. “We get children with all types of special needs. A lot of children in Sevier County need good homes.” Youth Village’s mission is to help children and families live successfully. They are a private organization working with Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to find homes for children who have been abused and neglected. To be a potential foster parent, people must be 18 years old, have good health, married at least a year, be a resident of Tennessee, and have adequate space in their home for a child. Parents will receive free training, 24-hour support, therapy for child and family, and up to $18,000 reimbursements per year. Anyone who is interested in becoming a parent may call 865-560-2558 to find out more information.