By: Kasia Kerridge, KOMU 8 Reporter
JEFFERSON CITY – The number of kids in need is growing, according to the only foster care and adoption association in central Missouri.
Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association will host its 10th Annual Gala Thursday to support children in foster care, adoption or kinship care.
President and CEO of CMFCAA DeAnna Alonso said 2018 is the most children in need she has seen since they opened a decade ago, mainly because of the opioid crisis.
“We see more kids coming into care because of the substance use issues that are connected to opioids,” said Alonso. “Also because of poverty rates and neglect.”
According to CMFCAA, they have helped 1,400 children in central Missouri receive foster care. About 15,000 total children are in foster care in the entire state.