New Program Focuses on Foster Children

Monterey County officials are hoping to provide affordable housing and homes for foster children with a new program initiated this month.

Under the program, the county has decided to help find homes for families that are willing to take in foster children on short notice.

The county’s initial plan, approved last week, calls for advocates to raise $550,000 to buy two $225,000 homes. The homes would be leased to foster parents willing to take in children who need immediate placement.

In return, a portion of the rent would go into an escrow account to be used on a down payment three years later. The program is backed by the county and the private Charitable Council.

“Many counties are looking at better incentive programs, but this is one of the best ideas to come along,” said Will Lightbourne, executive vice president of the County Welfare Directors Assn. of California.