PORT ANGELES – The need for foster parents in Clallam and Jefferson counties is “huge,” said a recruiter, and a free course in January would start those interested on the path to helping children in need.

Prospective foster parents, or those who want to adopt foster children or provide care to a relative, can begin the process with the comprehensive evening course offered in Port Angeles, said Colleen Robinson, foster and adoptive parent recruiter for Families for Kids, which contracts services to the state Division of Children and Family Services for both Clallam and Jefferson counties.

“The need is huge,” Robinson said.

Slightly more than 200 children in Clallam County are in foster care or have been placed with relatives, while about 70 are in foster care in Jefferson County.

The course, which includes an orientation session and seven class periods, is the first step in becoming licensed to be a foster parent or to adopt a foster child, said Robinson.

Orientation for the class will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Division of Children and Family Services, 201 W. First St., Port Angeles.

Seven evening sessions are scheduled at the same location. Participants must attend all sessions to graduate.

The sessions will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 16 through Jan. 18, and from Jan. 22 through Jan. 25.

To register for the January course, contact Bill Todd at the children and family services office, phone 360-565-2296, or e-mail towi300@dshs.wa.gov.

The evening hours for the course is a first in Port Angeles, Robinson said.