Meth and heroin abuse have already caused problems in Outagamie County, and now it's partly responsible for more children entering foster care.
The Outagamie County Health and Human Services Department is in desperate need of more foster families, according to Child and Family Unit Supervisor Jennifer Sailer.
Two years ago, the county put 48 kids into foster care. In 2016, they've already removed 38 children from their homes, and the problem continues to grow.
Diana Gosz, her husband, and kids are a foster family in Outagamie County.
"There are so many kids out there that just need, just a little bit of love, a little bit of security," Gosz said.
They're filling a vital need.
"We are really struggling to keep up with the need for foster parents," said Sailer.
Last year, the county removed 89 children from their homes. That's nearly double from the 48 the year before.
"We've been seeing a lot more meth and heroin abuse by parents, and then they're unable to take care of their kids," said Sailer.
Diana Gosz and her family are what they call an Emergency Resource (ER) home, which means they're on call to take kids at any time of the day or night.
'They've been able to make a difference in a child's life," Sailer said.
That's something that means a lot to Diana.
"Because I was a foster kid," Gosz said.
Now, she's paying it forward for those who helped her.
"When they're explaining their struggles and that kind of thing, I can say you know, I had something similar," Gosz explained. "They understand that they're not alone."
She now hopes to encourage others to help kids in Outagamie County, too.
If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, Outagamie County Health and Human Services is hosting two information sessions on Thursday, May 19th.
The sessions are at Noon and 5 p.m. at the Children, Youth and Family Division located at 401 S. Elm Street in Appleton.
The sessions are held the third Thursday of every month.
You can also e-mail hhsfoster@outagamie.org for more information.
Below is more information on how to attend the information session:
Held at 401 S. Elm Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Directions: You may park in the Outagamie County Justice Center Parking Lot or there is metered parking on Elm Street and Walnut Street and two hour parking on side streets. Once you are inside the Health and Human Services Building, follow the signs for The Children Youth and Families Division. Orange foster care signs will help you find your way.
Entrance #3 (faces the Justice Center Lot -wheelchair accessible): Go up the ramp and turn left. Walk straight ahead until you see the elevator sign. Turn right after you pass courtroom H, the elevator will be on the left. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor. Turn right off the elevator. Take the next right and go past the bathrooms. Go down the steps or use the wheelchair ramp. Enter through the glass doors straight ahead.
Or
Entrance Door #4 (faces Elm Street): Go up the stairs to the third level. Turn left and go through the glass doors into the lobby.
