A one-hour training orientation for prospective foster parents is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Lauderdale County Courthouse on 500 Constitution Ave. in Meridian.

The orientation is part of a faith-based, Christian-focused initiative called “Rescue 100” to find prospective foster parents, along with people who’d like to support them. The Ridgeland-based nonprofit organization 200 Million Flowers is partnering with the Mississippi Commission on Children’s Justice and the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, along with churches throughout the state, to conduct the initiative, according to a news release.

Tuesday’s orientation is required for families who wish to attend a Rescue 100 Training Weekend from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian. The weekend provides consolidated training to become a certified foster parent, but it meets the same requirements, officials say.

People who do not plan to attend the weekend training may come to Tuesday’s orientation, as well.

“It can be for anyone who really wants additional information,” said Sabrea Smith, bureau director with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, in a telephone interview. “There are no commitments; it’s strictly informational.”

Smith said Jamie Walley, church relations director of 200 Million Flowers, will lead the orientation, which has been conducted in various other parts of the state.

“They get a first-hand account of what it’s like to be a resource parent from him,” Smith said.

Smith said she would also attend and be available to answer questions about Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.

The Rescue 100 effort, Smith said, is part of the state’s faith-based initiative to involve the faith communities in helping to solve foster care issues.

“It’s Christian-themed,” she said. “Our message is that of faith; however, we are open to have anyone willing to help out our foster care crisis.”

The need for certified foster parents is pronounced in the area.

In Lauderdale County, 142 children are in MDCPS custody as of Sept. 1, according to statistics from the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. There are 45 licensed foster homes in the county, 17 of which were licensed only to care for children who are relatives.

Other area counties also harbor more children in custody than licensed foster homes. In Kemper County, 13 children are in custody, including one licensed foster home that is licensed only for children who are relatives. In Neshoba County, 64 children are in custody, with 12 licensed foster homes, seven of which are licensed only for children who are relatives.

Eleven children are in custody in Clarke County, with 21 licensed foster homes, five of which are licensed for children who are relatives. And in Newton County, 17 children are in custody, with 18 licensed foster homes, including 11 relative homes.

“Right now we need foster homes for all ages of children, but families that could take sibling groups and are interested in fostering some of our teenagers are probably the greatest need,” said Jackie Odom, regional director for the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, in a telephone interview.

The Rescue 100 effort began in Gulfport “under the leadership of Pastor Tony Karnes of Michael Memorial Baptist Church and the J127 Ministry, which hosted the first Rescue 100 event,” according to the website, http://www.200millionflowers.org/.

People who are interested in more information about Tuesday’s orientation, or who want to register, can go to rescue100.org.

People seeking more general information about helping with foster care in Mississippi can call 1-800-821-9157.

They can also log into https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/become-a-resource-fosteradoptive-parent.