SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – If you’ve lived in South Lake Tahoe for any amount of time, you know this place runs on community. We look out for each other’s kids, we show up when someone needs a hand, and we rally fast when the stakes are real.
Right now, one of the most important — and least talked-about — needs in our town is happening quietly, late at night, in living rooms and social worker offices:
Our local kids entering foster care are often being sent out of the county simply because we don’t have enough foster homes here in South Lake.
Not because they need to leave.
Not because they’ve done anything wrong.
Just because there wasn’t an available bed close to home.
And that’s where this conversation starts.
What’s Actually Happening
Here are a few realities that bring this into focus:
- A large percentage of emergency placements are same-day, often late at night. These decisions happen fast.
- When no local foster home is open or current homes aren’t answering calls, kids are transported 1–3 hours away that night.
- Many kids only need a short stay — sometimes 48 hours, sometimes a week. Temporary care could keep them in their own schools and community.
- El Dorado County is currently short on foster families, especially for short-term and emergency placements.
Every “no” — for completely valid reasons — can mean a child loses access to their teachers, classmates, routines, and support systems during an already traumatic moment.
These aren’t abstract numbers.
These are our kids — literally the kids in South Lake’s elementary, middle, and high schools.
The Upcoming Info Sessions
Sierra Child & Family Services is hosting two Foster Parent Recruitment Info Sessions designed for anyone who’s ever thought, “Maybe I could help… I just don’t know what it really involves.”
It’s a chance to hear the truth about foster care, ask questions freely, and understand what support can look like — from emergency placements to respite care (short-term backup for local foster families).
You’ll hear from:
- Social workers from Sierra Child & Family Services
- Local foster parents who’ve seen how meaningful short-term placements can be
If you’ve ever had even a flicker of interest in fostering, this is a safe, low-pressure way to learn more.
Session Details
Monday, December 8 — Zoom
5:30–6:30pm PST
Tuesday, December 9 — In Person
5:30–6:30pm PST
Sierra Child & Family Services
924 Emerald Bay Road, Suite A2
RSVP: Please RSVP via email to foster parent Melissa Whitehouse at melissahwhitehouse@gmail.com to let her know which session you plan to attend and to receive the Zoom link or in-person details.
-Leon Abravanel, Tahoe Together