Editorial roundup

Aug. 22

Lake Charles American Press

Helping foster care

More than 7,800 children in Louisiana were under the state’s foster care system during the most recent fiscal year. Thankfully, the state has launched a new website that is intended to make sure those children receive the quality care they need and deserve.

The website, www.LouisianaFosters.la.gov, was created to bring foster parents together with help from businesses, non-profits and the community. It came about because of a $25,000 grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and was sponsored by Donna Edwards, Louisiana’s first lady.

The website also includes informative links for those interested in becoming foster parents. It defines what foster care is and identifies the responsibilities and requirements a foster parent must meet.

Considering the trauma and pain foster children have faced, it’s important that potential foster parents understand what they need to do in order to love and care for them. The website provides some of the tools needed to offer that unconditional love and support.

It also lists how businesses, church groups and other organizations can help in making sure foster children have quality care. Some suggestions include hiring those who are aging out of the foster system and sponsoring events for foster families.

Meanwhile, another new website provides resources for parents and those caring for children with autism or other disabilities. La.exceptionallives.org, is an offshoot of Exceptional Lives, a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that has been active since 2013.

The website guides parents on understanding the signs of autism. It also explains which steps to take after a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Other features include applying for Medicaid waivers, providing special education support and applying for Supplemental Security Income.

Now, parents can quickly and easily access the website to find out more about how to care for an autistic child or a child with a developmental disability.

These two websites are extremely important in addressing children who have special needs and those needing a loving home. It’s comforting to know that the state has provided an online presence that gives parents and caregivers the tools they need to care for these children.