Theres an urgent need for foster parents who care for children with special needs. Nearly one in 10 foster children are eligible for Development Disabilities Services (DDS).They are a part of our family now, and they will always be, said Sherry McGee.On vacation or just everyday life, Sherry McGee said Christy and Lauren are her girls, as much a part of her family as her biological children. I couldnt imagine life without them, said McGee. I really couldnt.Since 1999, McGee has been a foster mom and Christy and Lauren have been by her side nearly 25 years.Theyre a blessing, said McGee. Its what God wants me to do." They both have special needs and while theyve found their home, theres a growing number of children who still need one.The need for foster is unreal, said McGee. They need foster parents desperately.We have a very special population that we are out there serving and meeting their needs, said Lindsey Jones. Lindsey Jones manages the specialized foster care program under DDS. As the agency works to eliminate its 13-year waitlist for services, theyre identifying more children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need a specialized foster home.Of the roughly 5,000 children in need of foster homes, about 450 of them qualify for DDS. RELATED >>> OKDHS calls Oklahomans to support foster care Its nearly 10% of the foster care population, but they only have 70 specialized foster care families across the state.You can see that we have a large gap in meeting this need, said Jones.As they get the word out, specialized foster parents, like McGee, are encouraging others to meet the need.To know that youre taking a child in and making a difference in their lives, said McGee. Thats the purpose of this to give them a better life that they wouldve never had.To become a specialized foster care parent, applicants must: Be at least 21 years old  Be able to stay at home as a professional parent  Submit information for background checks and fingerprints  Complete training prior to approval as a specialized foster care parent and yearly training thereafter  Participate in a home study  Provide an individual bedroom for each person served For more information visit here.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram SUBSCRIBE on YouTube