There is an urgent need for volunteers to bless the lives of beleaguered children by serving as licensed foster parents, according to Larry K. Jacobson of LDS Social Services.

In a Church News interview, Brother Jacobson and Suzanne Timmerman, foster care specialist for Utah Department of Human Services, described the need for conscientious and loving foster families for children at risk, and explained how the foster-care process typically works. They used as an example the system in Utah, noting that other states and countries have laws, procedures and needs that may vary.They explained that Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt had issued a plea for more foster families as part of his 1995 state-of-the-state address last Jan. 16 and in a recent television documentary, and that foster needs in most other states are just as critical.

Discussing the overflow of children who exceeded the capacity of state-run shelters, the governor had said: "There is a need for good people to do what government can't do, and that's be a family to a child who isn't safe going home. Tonight, I implore families . . . to consider whether you might be able to hoist a child on your shoulders, to help others along the way."

Brother Jacobson said the Church urged members' cooperation and support of foster efforts, as indicated in a Jan. 31, 1995, First Presidency statement encouraging families to consider - as citizen volunteers and not as part of any Church calling - the governor's plea for support. A follow-up letter of support was issued on Oct. 20 by President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, also encouraging involvement in foster care by citizens able to assist on a voluntary basis.

"We know there is a real need out there and want to do what we can to help," said Brother Jacobson. "We are stepping forth, along with other religions and groups, to help take care of children through the foster-care process. It's not by any means just an LDS effort, but an entire state effort."

LDS Social Services provides several "key points" to be considered by anyone thinking of entering into foster care:

- Families who choose to participate should do so voluntarily, with an interest in helping needy children. Their service should not be considered a Church calling or assignment.

- All members of the family living at home should be prayerfully involved in the decision of whether or not to become a foster family. Prayerful consideration by the entire family also should be given each time a child is considered for placement in the home.

- Foster parents have the right and the responsibility to determine who they will accept or decline for placement in their home based upon the child's age, gender and special needs, and on the foster family's composition, skills and abilities.

- Foster families, ecclesiastical leaders and LDS Social Services staff must honor and respect the religious affiliation and ethnic background of foster children and their families.

- There are different levels of foster care available for families to consider, including short-term shelter care (usually 30 days or less), regular foster care and structured care for older, more difficult children.

Ms. Timmerman explained that the primary goal of foster care is to provide a safe haven for children while they and their families heal, and usually the objective is to get children back into their own families. About 73 percent of foster children will return to parents or other relatives. Children may be returned in days, weeks or months. Sometimes more permanent solutions - such as long-term care or adoption - are best, always with foster families having the choice to accept or not accept children based upon what is best for all involved. There also is a need for temporary, short-term respite care, to give foster parents an occasional reprieve from their responsibilities.

Foster children range in age from infants through 17 years old. They may suffer from physical, emotional or sexual abuse, as well as neglect, according to Ms. Timmerman.

She explained that the state conducts a 20-hour preservice training program for foster families, plus providing ongoing training. Potential care-givers can work through LDS Social Services or deal directly with the state. Foster parents must be at least 21 years old and have good physical and emotional health. A stable, financial income is a necessity, with allowance given for assistance from the state.

A clean home or apartment with a telephone, smoke detector, fire extinguisher and a separate bed for each foster child are also required.

Both Brother Jacobson and Ms. Timmerman said that in spite of the challenges inherent in foster parenting, the rewards of seeing children and their families heal and change - and being part of that process - is very fulfilling.

They referred to the innocence of children in need and to the admonition of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Heb. 13:2.)