La Grange native Sarah Michaels has fostered more than 50 children over the course of her life — a commitment she began in her 20s.

Michaels has said that working in a hospital showed her how many children had no safe place to go, motivating her to open her home. She was profiled by Patch on April 23.

Her story underscores a persistent need across Illinois. As of March 2026, 15,934 children were in state care, according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. In suburban Cook County, 1,798 children were in DCFS care, with 746 in traditional foster placements.

Families interested in becoming foster parents can start the process at dcfs.illinois.gov or call the DCFS Adoption Listing Service at 1-800-572-2390.