With a new TV commercial and revamped Web site, Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services this month kicks off a renewed effort to recruit foster parents.

The television commercial, with the theme "The Change I Need," begins airing in May -- National Foster Care Month.

And the Web site, www.hckids.org, also goes live during the month.

Hamilton County has a severe shortage of foster families. This takes a toll on foster children, who often must live far from supports such as churches and schools. It also is costly to send children to private foster home networks.

The agency also will participate in several events in May, including:

* May 13, Butterflies and Blue Ribbons
* May 19, Foster Care Day on Fountain Square
* May 29-30, Every Child's Hope Weekend

Additionally, a live chat about foster care will take place at 10 a.m. May 6 on www.hcjfs.org.

An Open House for those interested in foster parent will be held 6-7 p.m. May 11 at the agency's 237 William H. Taft Road offices.