Wednesday, March 26, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
No one is arguing the value of foster homes in the array of services required to serve children. They are vital, bot not a panacea. There are many circumstances when group homes are a better option. The foster home system is not oriented toward keeping several brothers and sisters together. Children with behavior problems are often moved from home to home compounding the problems. Group homes are better options in these situations.
Several years ago the state severely cut mental health services and the system has been struggling to recover ever since. I'm afraid when we lose options for helping children there will be serious consequences.
Everyone should be working toward more options and more resources for our children thrown in circumstances through no fault of their own. It will be difficult and expensive to recreate this resource later on when the mistake in letting it go is realized.
Michael Husted, executive director, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
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