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For the first time ever, more children are leaving foster care for safe, permanent homes than are entering the child welfare system, according to Child Protective Services. 

The number of children leaving foster care outnumbered the number entering care by more than 1,700 children, a trend the state hopes will continue. 

This means that more children than ever are finding their forever homes, whether adopted out of foster care or placed with a relative.

"Additional resources combined with a tenacious work ethic have led to unprecedented success for the DFPS this year," said Governor Greg Abbott. "Texas is better because a record number of children have been adopted in 2019 and are experiencing the joy of a loving home this Christmas season." 

While there were fewer children entering care than exiting in 2019, at Buckner we continue to see a demand for homes who can accommodate these needs, whether for a short time or a lifetime.

"There are more families coming forward to foster and adopt nationally and statewide," said Samela Macon, senior director of domestic foster care and adoption at Buckner. "We need to see that trend continue. Moreover, we need more families willing to foster or adopt older children and sibling groups."

Even if you are not able to foster or adopt a child at this time, there are so many ways you can support a foster family in your community. 

If you are a church looking for resources to support the foster families in your congregation, go to faithfosterstexas.org to find ideas, resources and training to equip your church to fulfill the biblical mandate of caring for vulnerable children and families.  

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