Southwestern Pennsylvania Sees Decline in Number of Foster Parents Ahead of Expected Surge of Children Into the System

There are fewer families in Southwestern Pennsylvania that are willing to become foster families.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is struggling with a declining number of foster parents as fewer families are willing to step up, as experts estimate a surge of children to flood the system soon.

Now, Allegheny County is preparing for an increase in referrals to the Office of Children, Youth, and Families. In a statement, an administrator for Allegheny County's Department of Human Services, Julia Reuben, said that "parental stress is a big predictor of child maltreatment."