When children are removed from their homes to be placed in foster care, it is generally a very stressful and upsetting time for them. They are leaving what they know behind, to go with strangers to a new place. 

Laurie Mize Henderson, an attorney specializing in family cases, works closely with foster children through St. Clair County Department of Human Resources (DHR). She, along with others in DHR have noticed a saddening trend with foster children in the area. DHR representatives spoke at the July 11 Pell City City Council work session, presenting their case to the council. 

“We have identified a major need for foster children in our area,” Henderson said. “When these kids are taken from their home, they have to pack up their things in a black garbage bag.” 

Henderson said that being removed from their homes is traumatizing enough for the children, and packing their things in a garbage bag adds a feeling of worthlessness to their situation. Henderson also said that the few possessions the kids pack are ties to their biological family and mean a lot to them. The DHR has looked into the issue and decided that the best thing they can do for the children is provide them with one piece of luggage for the children to keep as their own and use to transport their belongings. This endeavor will not be a cheap one, which is why the DHR reached out to the council for assistance. 

There are approximately 100 children in foster care in St. Clair County, with almost half of those living in, or originating from, Pell City.

Henderson, along with two other DHR attorneys spoke to the council, requesting a monetary donation to the cause.

After hearing the DHR representative’s request, Mayor Joe Funderburg said that he understood approaching the Council regarding the donation, but that other municipalities and county officials need to be involved as well, referring to the project as a “temporary fix.” While some members of the council sympathized with the request, they did not make a move to provide funds for the project during the work session.  

The community still has an opportunity to help. Full-size suitcases, new with tags, are being requested, preferably hard shell. Those can be dropped off at the Law Office of Laurie Mize Henderson, P.C. and Law Office of Renay Bertella, located at 1906 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, AL 35125.  

Monetary donations are also encouraged, in any amount. Any and all checks can by made out to the St. Clair County Bar Association, referencing Foster Care Luggage.