FOSTER HOMES FOR ABUSED WOMEN WHO ARE BREAKING FREE

In the last nine months, I have adopted two cats from a rescue organization. Each was fostered by a member of the organization, provided veterinarian care and training as necessary. Each Sunday my local CBS station features two or three children who are living in foster care and who would like to be adopted. This led to the thought: Why not foster care for abused women?

Pets and children need and receive in-home individual foster care. I propose that we start a foster care program for abused women who are breaking free. Many existing shelters are full and running out of money. Spousal abuse is on the rise just when communities are closing shelters for lack of money. The federal government is dragging its feet on renewing the VAWA legislation.  

Foster care for abused women, need not be a big organizing effort. Each charity. temple, or church could sponsor a breaking-free woman and rent her an apartment supported by the group. They would also provide “breaking free” kits containing bedding and other linens, dishes and kitchen utensils. Foster care could be advertised through existing help lines.

Because of the threat of reprisal by the abuser, I do not recommend taking these women into private homes with other residents, as much as you may like to. 

If you know of a woman who needs to break free, reach out and offer what help you can. Do you have ideas to share about fostering women breaking free? Let us know by replying to or commenting on this blog, or by e mail to me at clw@clwoodhams.com. We need to hear from you. Breaking free women need your help.

 

Peace, CLW