In an effort raise awareness of the need for foster parenting on Whidbey Island, Service Alternatives – Children and Family Services is hosting an informational meeting with a drop-in time from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting will discuss foster parenting and local Island County community resources. There will also be a question-and-answer session. Light refreshments provided.

RSVPs are requested by contacting Gabe Gregory at ggregory@servalt-cfs.com or 360-391-4948.

The agency licenses new foster homes in Oak Harbor and community areas on Whidbey Island and Island County.

Roughly 10,000 children are in foster care annually in Washington and there are shortages of foster homes, according to a press release from the agency.

“Many children from Island County placed in out of home care are only able to find placement in out of county areas such as Skagit or Whatcom due to there not being enough foster homes in their local communities,” Gregory said in the press release.

“We are asking for communities,parents, teachers, paraprofessionals and those able to become licensed foster parents to help these children heal and grow.”

Becoming a foster parent is free. Requirements include being age 21 or older, passing a criminal background check and having a valid driver’s license.