Fostering the Future

 

Several years ago I had the privilege of working with a group of foster parents to develop a home-based substance abuse prevention program. I loved that job!

I got to know and admire some incredible people — both individuals and couples — who willingly and lovingly tackled really difficult situations in order to provide kids with safety, stability and security. And love.

I appreciate the fact that, through the internet, some of have recently been able to reconnect. So, in the week of Mother’s Day, I am proud to call your attention to a wonderful group of people I sometimes refer to as ‘professional parents.’ May is Foster Care Month.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent please know that the need is great. And that organizations will NOT allow you to take on these challenges without proper training and support. And, in my experience, the training is useful for any parent.

Here are some other resources.

Connect for Kids brings concerned adults and young people—whether they’re new to the issues or already activists—to compelling, accurate information and context on children’s issues, as well as tools to take action. Good information for anyone interested in child advocacy; included here because of foster-family tools.

The National Foster Parent Association site can help direct you to local resources.

Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan helps foster children through fine arts, sports and job opportunities.

The Dave Thomas Adoption Foundation is dedicated to this vision: every child will have a permanent home and a loving family.”

I like the slogan for this site: you don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.

And to ‘my’ foster parents? Thanks. Thanks for the coffee and the conversation and sharing the laughs and the tears. You have touched the lives of lots of kids. You touched my life, too.