There are more children in need of a home than there are homes available.

One local agency is calling the situation in Maricopa County “dire”, saying right now there is not a single spot open in foster homes.

While there is always a need, this time the shortage is significant. Foster care leaders are describing the situation as desperate and they’re not exactly sure why this is going on. But now, they’re begging families to consider opening up their homes.

One woman took the leap to become a foster parent and recently adopted a child. She says she hopes her story might inspire others. About two years ago, Lea Phillips decided she wanted to foster a child. The process, to her surprise, was a lot smoother than she’d imagined.

“You get a say in the types of children that you foster, the ages, the genders. You get a chance to learn about the child,” said Phillips.

It’s a step Torrie Taj, the CEO of Child Crisis Arizona, is hoping more families consider taking. In the past couple of months, she says agencies across the state have seen a shortage of families applying to become licensed foster homes.

“Well, that’s the million dollar question right now – why don’t we have enough families that are in the pipeline?” asks Taj.

When kids enter the system, the first choice is to place them with a family member or with a foster family. If not, they go to emergency centers or group homes.

“We all believe that a child deserves to be in a loving home. That’s why we are asking everybody to please consider opening your heart, your homes,” said Taj.

Becoming licensed takes about six months. It includes background checks, an interview, home inspection and training. Phillips said it was challenging, but worth it.

“What I didn’t realize was how much fun it would be and how supported I would be throughout the process,” she said.

Phillips and her husband recently decided to adopt their foster child.

“It’s truly been the most rewarding experience of my life and honestly it is my favorite part of my life right now,” said Phillips.

There are 13,000 kids in foster homes in Arizona and more than half are in Maricopa County. If you’re interested in learning more, Child Crisis has two meetings every month. The next one is at July 2 at the Mesa location and the other one is July 17 in Phoenix.