TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Florida child welfare officials are pleading with residents to consider opening their home to a foster child with special needs.

More than 800 foster children who have been diagnosed with a disability are in need of a loving family. The Department of Children and Families launched a campaign Wednesday to raise awareness about fostering and adopting foster youth with physical, emotional and mental disabilities. These children are typically the most difficult to place in foster homes.