Award-winning journalist Lisa Ling explored the Los Angeles County foster care system on her TV show “Our America” which aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The documentary featured stories from case workers and a judge working in child welfare, as well as families who have had their children removed from their care.

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Lisa followed the journey of 10-month-old baby Lily, who was removed from her mother Shannon’s care and placed with a foster family located an hour away from her home. 25-year-old Shannon discussed how she turned to drugs in order to cope with heartbreak, but is determined to prove she deserves a second chance to be a great mother to Lily. View part of her emotional interview here.

Lily is the ninth baby foster parents Isaac and Alicia have cared for since becoming foster parents two years ago. Isaac’s parents were foster parents, and his wife Alicia spent time in foster care when she was growing up. They say this is their way of giving back to the foster system and their goal is to help the families reunite with their children. See more of their interview with Lisa.

Monica is another mother whose son and daughters were removed from her care one year ago. The children have a hard time being away from their mother and find it hard to trust that they will be able to return home. Monica is determined to do the work necessary to get her children back, which includes taking parenting classes and showing up for her scheduled visits. Hear more from Monica and her children here.

Currently, there are over 400,000 U.S. children in foster care, and the best way you can help is by becoming a foster parent. More foster parents are needed in every community so that children can remain close to what is familiar to them, especially their families and schools. Foster care is a safe place that gives a child and his or her family an opportunity to resolve conflicts or disruptions and learn healthy skills so the child can safely return home. Download free resources on our website to decide if fostering is right for you.

Not everyone is called to be a foster parent, but everyone can do something to help children and youth in foster care. Learn more about foster care, sponsor a fundraising event, volunteer, donate or follow us on Facebook and Twitter and share our posts.

Related articles:

• 5 Things You Need to Know About Foster Care
• Common Myths About Foster Care and Adoption
• Short Film Follows Emotional Journey of Young Girl in Foster Care
• Chrissy’s Story – Child Abuse Survivor Now Helps Other Children Heal and Find Loving Homes 
• 5 Ways You Can Help a Child in Foster Care Without Being a Foster Parent