LANSING - May is National Foster Care Month, and it is also recognized by the State of Michigan. Foster Care Month is held with the goal of recognizing the people who assist in the foster care system, as well as making people aware that there is always a need for good homes for foster children.

According to statistics from childwelfare.gov, approximately 415,000 children were in foster care nationally in 2014. This was almost 100,000 less children than in 2005.

Manager of Communications and Public Information Officer for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bob Wheaton says that there were just under 13,000 children in foster care in Michigan in April of 2016, and of those 13,000, 675 of them were in Ingham County

"We're always looking for loving foster homes. We need people that are going to provide support and love and a home for these young people," Wheaton says.

People who are interested in becoming foster parents can call Foster Care Navigators at (855) MICH-KIDS (855-642-4543) or visit their website at fcnp.org.