Foster Homes See First Net Increase in Seven Years

July 16, 2025

Port St. Lucie - Communities Connected for Kids is proud to announce a significant milestone in the local foster care system: For the first time in seven years, there is a net increase in the number of foster homes. This growth includes the addition of three new foster homes and nine new beds, bringing the total number of active foster homes as of June 2025 to 77.

And the trend doesn’t look like it will end any time soon; nearly 30 homes are in the process of being licensed, Cheri Sheffer, Chief Operating Officer for CCKids, reported at a recent CCKids Board retreat.

In recent years, despite dedicated onboarding efforts, the number of new foster homes often fell short of replacing those that closed—many due to families transitioning to adoption. This year's net gain marks a meaningful reversal of that trend.

"This is a victory not just in numbers, but in support and stability for our most vulnerable children," Sheffer said. "It reflects a community that is beginning to rally around foster care in new and impactful ways."

Several key initiatives contributed to this increase:

The "25 in 2025" Campaign: A public relations effort aimed at recruiting 25 new foster homes by the year 2025. This campaign has significantly boosted community awareness and inspired many to take the first step toward becoming foster parents.

Interagency Recruitment Committee: A collaborative initiative that brought together multiple local agencies under a single, unified recruitment umbrella. This streamlined approach has made it easier and less confusing for prospective foster families to navigate the process.

These coordinated efforts represent a shift toward a more proactive and united approach to addressing the critical need for foster care resources in the community.

"Foster families are the backbone of the child welfare system," Sheffer said. "This increase is a testament to the power of partnership and the heart of our community."

CCKids encourages more families to consider fostering and learn how they can help make a lasting difference in a child's life. For more information, visit Becoming a Foster Parent or call (772) 873-7800, and ask for Jerra.