Can you imagine… you…actually saving a child’s life? And you don’t need to go anywhere, or complete any special training. In this program, Chip interviews Joe Knittig from the Global Orphan Project. Joe describes the widespread poverty tearing families apart and shares a very simple way believers can meet these needs in their own backyard.

Main Points

Purpose and Importance of CarePortal:

• CarePortal is a platform designed to connect local churches with the needs of children and families in crisis, helping them avoid entering the foster care system. It provides a way for community members to address these needs in real-time.

Joe Knittig’s Background:

• Joe Knittig had a troubled upbringing but was later transformed by his faith and became a trial lawyer. He and his wife decided to focus on supporting children and families in need, which led to their involvement in CarePortal.

Child Welfare Crisis:

• In the U.S., over four million children annually face issues that bring them to the doorstep of the foster care system. More than 400,000 are in foster care, and over 100,000 are immediately adoptable. The crisis affects families across various communities, and the system is overwhelmed.

CarePortal’s Mechanism:

• CarePortal acts as a "sharing platform" similar to Uber or Airbnb but for child welfare needs. Social workers and child protective services input needs into CarePortal, and local churches are then notified. Churches can choose to meet these needs, which could be anything from providing beds to assisting with rent.

Impact and Growth:

• Since its inception in 2015 in Austin, Texas, CarePortal has expanded to 22 states and involves over 2,400 churches. It has helped over 82,000 children, with the number growing daily.

Relational Approach:

• The goal is not only to provide transactional help but also to create relational connections between churches and families. This approach helps build community and support around children and families in crisis.

Prevention vs. Intervention:

• CarePortal addresses both prevention (helping families before they enter the foster care system) and intervention (assisting those already in the system). This dual approach aims to reduce the need for foster care placements and support reunification.

Statistics and Outcomes:

• Children who enter foster care often face poor outcomes, including higher rates of incarceration, homelessness, and involvement in sex trafficking. Preventing their entry into the system can significantly improve their future prospects.

Getting Involved:

• Individuals interested in helping can visit CarePortal.org, select their role, and start contributing. The platform is designed to be intuitive and accessible for anyone willing to make a difference.

The Church’s Role:

• The Church’s involvement can lead to significant systemic change and healing within communities. The Church can act as a unifying force to tackle the foster care crisis and support children and families effectively.

Broadcast Resource

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About Chip Ingram

Chip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.

About Living on the Edge

Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teac