by Jolene Toves

Guam - There are 169 foster children, of those 22 are in need of being placed in a foster home. As they wait for a foster home these children are often placed in a group home as Guam only has 29 licensed foster families, a problem Foster Families Association president Kathleen Thomas-Benavente says they are trying to get past.

She told KUAM News, "Based on the interviews or when we do interact with people who are considering to be foster parents the biggest issue for them is bonding."

Fear of bonding with the children they foster many potential foster parents are afraid it will be difficult when it's time for the child to go back home. Because of this many children in the interim are placed in group homes, or with relatives. Benavente says however that for those that are willing to become a foster parent all that is needed is a criminal background check, medical clearance and three character references.

She adds that they hope more families will open their homes so that these children will have a safe place to call home.