Making a difference in lives of foster children

May is National Foster Care Month, a time to come together on behalf of the more than 10,000 Missourian children who are in foster care because their own families are in crisis and unable to provide for their essential well-being.

Through my work with these young people, I know how resilient they can be. Foster children have an extraordinary capacity to overcome many challenges -- but only if they have the support of a caring adult in their lives.

The 32nd Circuit (Cape, Bollinger and Perry counties) recognized foster families at an appreciation banquet on May 4, 2012. More than 80 individuals came together to acknowledge the changes occurring for youth through the efforts of these families. The 32nd Circuit would like to say thank you to Cape LaCroix, Bella Italia, McDonald's and Imo's for making this event special by donating your time and services. We appreciate your support and investment.

National Foster Care Month offers an opportunity for informing policymakers, business leaders and others in Cape Girardeau about the urgent need for many more people to come forward and serve these young people. Without permanent, nurturing relationships with adults, foster youth are far more likely than their peers in the general population to endure homelessness, poverty, compromised health, unemployment, incarceration and other adversities after they leave the foster care system.

No matter how much time you have to give, you have the power to do something positive that will change a lifetime for a young person in foster care. Visit www.fostercaremonth.org or call 573-290-5800 to find out about the many different ways to get involved.

Lauren Masterson is an adoption specialist with the Cape Girardeau County Children's Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services.