With more than 3,000 children in the foster care system — an increase of more than 10 percent from last year — the number of foster homes has not kept up with the need, according to a news release from Youth Dynamics. As a result, many children in foster care will end up in group homes, shelter care or being placed out of the area in order to find placement.

“More concerning is that when children move from placement to placement they often lose social supports and people that are close to them,” the news release states, noting that “children in the foster care system are being diagnosed with PTSD in record numbers, surpassing that of American war veterans.”

Youth Dynamics is a Montana-based nonprofit child placing agency and mental health center with locations throughout the state that has been serving at-risk children and families since 1981. It serves over 1,500 kids each year. Youth Dynamics believes in strength-based, client-centered care.

“Foster care is one of the many supportive services we provide to Montana kids,” the news release states.

For more information visit www.youthdynamics.org or call 877-458-7022.