Utah in need of more foster families to keep up with growing demand
Nov 4, 2025, 6:00 AM
There are more foster kids in Utah who need homes, but not enough licensed families to take them in. However, there are resources available to families who open up their homes. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — There are more foster kids in Utah who need homes, but not enough licensed families to take them in.
According to Align Utah, there are a reported 820 licensed foster families caring for nearly 1,700 children in foster care, based on data from 2024.
“We are at a crossroads in Utah, with fewer foster families available to meet the growing needs of children in our state custody,” said Align Utah CEO Skyler Farnes. “It is essential that our community responds, not just with compassion, but with action. We need loving homes for these children, and that includes families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children, especially older youth and sibling groups.”
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Farnes said the need is especially high for kids from 10 to 18 years old with behavioral problems.
“Kids that come from traumatic backgrounds, kids that have been dealt a bad hand of cards…” Farnes said. “They, as a family, have the opportunity to change this kid’s life for the better.”
But it’s a big commitment to bring foster kids into a home, and if that child has other special needs, many people may not feel equal to the task. But Farnes wants to ensure that potential foster families will be offered support and resources, including individual and family therapy, mentors and medical help. They know it takes a village to help foster kids.
Farnes said Align Utah is flexible and willing to work with families and their busy schedules during the foster licensing process. They will also help cover the license fee, to hopefully remove as many barriers as possible.
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