River Region mom shines light on foster parent process

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - According to DHR officials there are 30,000 reports of abuse and neglect in Alabama involving 60,000 children a year.

Sending shock waves across the state, allegations arose that a Florence couple abused children in their care.

Daniel and Jenise Spurgeon face hundreds of sex crime and abuse charges.

Investigators say 11 children were victimized, but the couple housed more than 50 foster children during their eight years in Alabama, which is shining a light on the process and safeguards in place for becoming a foster parent in Alabama.

Over the past six years, Dawn Acosta and her husband have fostered 19 children. With eight kids currently under their roof, Acosta says "we're just ordinary people."

For Dawn, becoming a foster parent is not a process to be taken lightly.

"Because these children can't be taken lightly, it isn't for the faint of heart, I'll say that. We are not special but you've got to have a sense of determination and it's got to be about what's in the best interest of this child, not I want a cute puppy to bring home," said Acosta.

Every foster parent in Alabama must complete a ten-week course. Dawn is currently instructing one of those classes.

"DHR has to know you and they need to know your family and there is a screening process if you will that is necessary before they can safely place the children in their custody in your home," said Acosta.

According to Dawn, the process, from taking the class to getting a home license, can take at least six months.

"They'll do what's called a CAN clearance, which is a child abuse neglect clearance. They'll also do a fingerprint scan to check for you know criminal background," said Acosta.

The Acosta family knows DHR very well.

"DHR is in our home at least once a month if not more, they are very careful," said Acosta.

Which is why the recent arrest of a Florence couple accused of abusing children in their care was maddening and disheartening for the mom of eight.

"It can be hard to decipher that that is somebody's purpose in doing something it really is there's no way to pick that up if there's not prior," said Acosta

Dawn pleads with strong solid families to step up for these kids.

"There's only 60 foster families in Montgomery County and there's almost 200 children in care and so that's a heavy burden for those 60 families," said Acosta.

DHR officials say there are 5,200 kids in foster care in the state.

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, officials say your first step should be reaching out to your county DHR.

For a list of requirements and more information click here.

Copyright 2017 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.