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The Combs, founders of Light of Mine Ranch, often discussed the weighty darkness in the foster care system. It hovers over the old and new traumas of biological parents, the events leading up to a child being removed from their family, and it follows them to their placement into a stranger’s home. The darkness manifests itself physically in the facial expressions of a child. It is evident in the silence, the stoicism, the night terrors and fits. It brings its reminders of tangled, lice-filled hair, rotting teeth, rashes, bruises, hunger, and abuse. This darkness will not win.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) It is only a matter of time. The darkness begins to fade. When a child starts to receive unconditional love, support, safety, hope and healing, their face begins to light up! That has been our motivation. To drive out the darkness.

Quick Facts and Figures:

• 17,158 - Total reports made to Child Protection Services

• 1,581 - Children in Foster Care (average number per month)

• 865 - Total number of Licensed foster homes

• 287 - Average Number of Days from Initial Placement to Reunification

• 16% of children who aged out of foster care, had been in care since before age 13

• 6% live with a relative or other guardian out of state

• 25% of adoptions were out of state

• 9% of those emancipated moved out of state

• 48% of reunifications were out of state