Families Count is a family restoration and preservation ministry designed to give local churches a platform to minister to the parents of children who have been placed into the local foster care system or at risk of entering it. Families Count equips the church to engage some of the most vulnerable families in their community with the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Families Count is a 6-week, biblically based parent education program that is designed to meet the standards for state-approval for court-mandated parent education programs.
Through Families Count, local churches are positioned to meet, mentor, and care for parents who are working to fulfill a court-ordered plan for reunification with their children out of foster care or to intervene with parents whom the court deems at-risk for a court-ordered disruption. Families Count equips churches to teach an approved parenting curriculum, while engaging the parents through transportation, childcare, a weekly family-style meal, and mentoring.
"This was our first Families Count class that our church has facilitated. There were so many members of our church who were actively involved, whether it be mentoring, providing meals, childcare, or just being there to pray and help with set up and clean up. It was wonderful to watch the body serve together in this way!"
"This ministry has been such an encouragement to me and my co class coordinator. Both of our families foster and being involved in this class gave us renewed focus and reminded us that just like us, these parents and families must have Jesus at the center. He is the only one who can redeem these families and bring them together again. We are so thankful for this ministry and the opportunity to be a part of something that can bring so much hope to hurting families. "
