Arizona Senate President Tim Bee enjoys Thursday morning with his wife, Grace, and six children, including 22-month-old Anneliese, held by Grace.

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Guest editorial: Twin bills will fight 'new lawlessness' on borderTim Bee: Economic health must be first goalParticipatory democracy

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News stories of child endangerment and death have become far too common these days. There should be more safe places where children can go when Child Protective Services removes them from abusive or neglectful homes.

With five children of our own, my wife Grace and I never thought about becoming foster parents until we were faced with the opportunity to help a member of our family.

Child Protective Services placed our niece into our home shortly after she was born nearly two years ago and we have been tremendously blessed to have her.

It began as a kinship care placement. Since then we have become licensed foster parents and are eagerly awaiting her adoption.

The most recent statistics show that at any one time in Arizona there are more than 9,000 abused or neglected children in out-of-home care. More than 75 percent of these children are able to be placed in family-like settings with relatives or in foster homes. Other children live in group homes and shelters.

In Pima County as of Sept. 30, there were 2,442 children in out-of-home care. Needless to say, there is a tremendous need for relative caregivers and foster parents in our community.

This holiday season, think about those whose lives are not as blessed as your own. Consider giving an abused or neglected child a safe and nurturing place to live while their family situation is in turmoil.

There are several options. Kinship care and foster parenting are temporary placements; and adoption, of course, provides a permanent family for these children.

Grace and I found it so rewarding that we are thinking, after we adopt our niece, of adopting again as our other children grow.

The state's kinship care program recognizes the significant role extended families have played in the rearing of children for generations. Kinship caregivers provide love and nurturing in a familiar setting and allow children to remain connected to their families.

Children can live with people they know and trust, reinforcing their sense of belonging and positive self-esteem.

When relatives are unable to provide a temporary home for these children, foster parents become the temporary family for them. Most of the children come to foster care as a result of family breakdown, illness, abuse or serious neglect.

Children experiencing these types of issues need a safe and supportive environment during a time that can be scary and confusing. Foster parents can support their need for safety and well-being, and create a sense of stability — in some cases, for the first time.

Grace and I watched with joy as our niece took her first steps and said her first words. Other foster parents we know share this same joy — seeing smiles on the very faces that came into their homes with sadness or fear. More children need help. You can make a difference and change a life forever.

Although thorough, the requirements for becoming a foster parent are not restrictive. Candidates must be legal U.S. and Arizona residents at least 21 years old. They must pass fingerprint and criminal background checks, be in good physical and emotional health, have sufficient income to meet the family's needs, and pass a home inspection.

There are other requirements that include training. Grace and I took 10 weeks of classes, attending one night a week. The entire process to become a foster parent typically takes four to six months. Prospective foster parents work with a licensing agency to become certified. We went through Arizona Baptist Children's Services, one of 13 agencies in Pima County that provide training and recommend licensing to the Department of Economic Security.

Hundreds of adults in Pima County already have answered the call to serve children. You can join us.

Too many children have uncertain futures with tragic outcomes we don't want to imagine. Taking in a child, through kinship care, foster care or adoption is no small step. Our family's experience has been as challenging as it has been rewarding.

As you celebrate this holiday season and make plans for the new year, count your blessings and think about sharing them. You could be a child's best hope for a safe place to call home.