There’s been a dramatic influx of foster children in the past five years that’s far outpacing the number of foster families, according to Harvest House. The local non-profit resource center is raising awareness on what they call a “hidden epidemic” in Guam’s foster care system. 

"Every time we talk about children in foster care in Guam, there’s usually a story that goes right along with it," explained Jared Baldwin, Harvest House's executive director. He says the organization needs the community’s help to change.  "Every time you see bad news on the front page of the newspaper or on the newscast, there’s usually children affected behind the scenes," he cited.

Behind the numerous crime reports in the news, Baldwin says oftentimes there’s a child that gets removed from a home.  He says there are currently about 750 children in the foster care system in Guam. That number has steadily increased in the past few years and the number of foster families can’t keep up. 

"So five years ago, there were maybe 150 less children in the system. So it’s gone up dramatically. The number of foster families have gone up some as well, but the number of children in the system is way outpacing the number of foster families," said Baldwin.

Currently, there are less than 100 foster families on island.  He says that means most of the children end up going to live with relatives who may not be ready to care for them, foster families that are already maxed out, or staying long-term in what are supposed to be short-term emergency shelters. 

That’s where Harvest House comes in. The non-profit, founded by Harvest Baptist Church, has served as a safe haven for foster children and families for the past 16 years. "Most children when they are removed from a home don’t get to take anything with them. Not a bag. Not a toy. Nothing," Baldwin shared. "So they arrive with just the clothes on their back."

"So our goal here is to provide that safe, comfortable spot– a little piece of Heaven on Earth where they arrive, get new clothes, they get a hot, happy meal, or whatever they want to eat.

It’s all made possible thanks to the community.  Baldwin says harvest house is 100% reliant on donations, from in-kind donations like volunteers helping with laundry or physical donations like clothes and basic necessities. 

"We collect everything from new or nearly new clothes and car seats to diapers, wipes, formula and hygiene products. The children that are in foster care can be coming straight from  the delivery room at hospital all the way up to 18 years old," he stated.

There are a number of ways the community can continue to help make a difference.  He leaves this call to action: "Move your level of awareness up. Learn more about what’s happening to the children on Guam by tuning in to these stories and by reading up on it, and finding out at what level you can get involved. It might be just a donation. It might just be a word of support. But it could be attending an information meeting which we host here with [Child Protective Services].

"And maybe signing up to be an emergency placement where you can be able to help by becoming a kind of foster auntie or uncle for the weekend. Or maybe even consider becoming foster parents."

For more information on how you can help, just contact Harvest House Guam on their social media platforms or stop by their location in Barrigada.