Ad Campaign Promotes Illinois Foster Parents

A statewide advertising blitz by Foster Kids Are Our Kids, a group representing more than 60 Illinois child welfare agencies, was launched in February 2010, according to a press release. The ad campaign consists of television, print, transit (i.e. public buses and trains) and online media ads.

The purpose behind the "In It For the Kids" marketing campaign to promote foster care in Illinois is to dispel negative stereotypes, according to Ruth Jajko, associate executive director of Lutheran Social Services Illinois, who was quoted in the press release:

"Too many people, including many who would make amazing foster parents, are put off because they only hear about foster care when there is some tragedy on the evening news."

TV commercials, including the following spot about foster parents Norma and George (last names not provided), stress the feel-good aspects of becoming a foster parent:

State budget shortages have resulted in less funding for non-profit social service providers, including foster care organizations, according to Chicago Sun-Times columnist Ted Pincus. In the column, Mr. Pincus discusses the merger of Chicago-based CARC and Arlington Heights-based Clearbrook as a solution to the more than 750 child victims of unsafe home environments who remain on the two organizations' waiting lists.

The merged entity, which is not yet finalized, will serve more than 4,500 special needs children with foster care and other services, according to Mr. Pincus.

The Foster Kids are Our Kids web site provides information on ways people can help with the foster care effort, including mentorship, volunteer work and donations. Contact an Illinois family lawyer for more detailed information about the foster parenting process.

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