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Local foster parents share their story

Posted at 4:58 AM, May 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-15 08:56:43-04

COLORADO SPRINGS – In honor of Foster Awareness Month, we’re taking a look at the growing need for foster parents here in Colorado.

Each day in Colorado around 12 kids enter the foster care system. Today, there are over2,000 kids in Colorado growing up with foster families, but they need families like you to take part.

We spoke to one family about just how rewarding and sometimes challenging this unique opportunity can be.

“I personally just thought, man that’s a calling for somebody else,” said Foster parent Dan Lareau about his first thoughts on fostering.

But it was always in the back of Dan and his wife Erin’s mind.

“We liked the idea of adopting or fostering one day,” added Erin Lareau.

Even though they knew it would take work, after two kids of their own, they took the call.

“They were saying, are you open to taking a medically fragile child?” said Dan, “and once we met him we felt like it was a leap of faith that we could take.”

It wasn’t how they pictured it. For now, they’ve added a new son to their family, even if only for a short time.

“We want to love any child that comes into our home unconditionally and without hesitation,” explained Erin. “But you also have to hold them with your hands open.”

Dan and Erin know letting go won’t be forever.

“Yes, it will be hard and it is hard,” explained Erin, “but it’s a life long gift to these little people.”

Dan and Erin say they’ll still be able to see their foster son, even after he goes to live with his biological family.

If you’ve thought about fostering but haven’t started the process now is the time to start. You can get more details here.

If fostering isn’t for you, there are still ways you can help.The non-profit Cases of Love is collecting suitcases and hygiene items all this month. When children get removed from their homes in emergency situations, they’re sometimes forced to stuff their belongings into a trash bag. You can drop donations off this month at Nordstrom Rack on North Academy and Focus on the Family.