A shortage of foster homes has stranded dozens of children at a temporary shelter.
The children needing homes range from newborns to teens. Mikie Franklin recruits and trains foster parents for Washoe County.
“The majority of our cases are neglect situations, there is physical abuse that happens but the majority is neglect,” Franklin explains, “the basic needs aren’t being met for children, whether that’s because of parent’s mental health needs or parental drug or alcohol use.”
Franklin says there are nearly 60 children currently staying at the temporary shelter--The KidsKottage--located in Reno. Some babies who arrive at the center have been exposed to drugs.
“It does seem like there are a great deal who either test positive at birth or that their mother does: meth, or heroine, or cocaine,” Franklin says. “I would say the majority is meth of the drugs exposed.”
Franklin says the influx of children in the county’s care currently outpaces the number of foster homes available.