Kortney McConnell, permanency coordinator, left, and Sara McKinley, placement coordinator, of Family Pathways said there is a shortage of foster homes willing to take in children and teens. The nonprofit group is planning a National Adoption Awareness Month event to seek more possible foster parents.

Family Pathways — the nonprofit organization offering outpatient therapy, family-based foster care and adoption services — is facing a foster home shortage.

There aren't enough Butler County families willing to take in children and teens left homeless by their parents' substance abuse or mental problems, said Dr. Elan Welter Lewis, founder and executive director of Family Pathways.

Lewis said her organization often gets calls from county caseworkers looking to place children in a foster home and “unfortunately, we are running into the fact the homes are full, and we are unable to take children.”

Sara McKinley, the organization's placement coordinator, and Kortney McConnell, its permanency coordinator, said the shortage means children and teens are being placed with families far away from their schools, making visitations with their parents more difficult, or being kept longer in group homes.

Family Pathways is having a National Adoption Awareness Month event at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 14. It will be a screening of the movie “Clifford the Big Red Dog” at Movie Scoop (formerly Regal Cinemas) in Moraine Point Plaza.A small popcorn and drink will be provided. Those who bring a friend interested in learning more about foster care will receive a ticket for a door prize. Those wishing to attend should RSVP by Monday by calling Autumn Rodgers at 724-284-9440.McKinley said those interested in becoming foster parents can also call Family Pathways at 724-284-9440 or email Pathways@familypathways.net.<b> A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com. </b>