May is National Foster Care Month!!!! Hamptons Macaroni Kid would like to recognize the foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. Did you know around 423,000 children are in foster care in the United States. That's 423,000 kids who need to soak up all the support, love , and understanding during the most difficult times in their lives.
It takes special families to provide foster care to kids in need especially when adding them into their lives with their own children. I had the privilege to interview my very close friend foster mom Jen G., who, along with her husband, Andy, have offered a safe haven for kids in foster care.
How did you get started in foster care?
"A local church was hosting a foster care orientation and my pastor gave me the information because I had told him I was looking into adoption. I went, and came home to convince my husband it was a good thing for us to do."
How would you describe the process of foster care and sum up your experience?
"My experience is very new. I’ve had one foster child so far (and one for respite - taking care of another foster family’s child for a short period). The process is overwhelming, heartbreaking, sometimes confusing, but also beautiful and a blessing. The most amazing part has been watching my kids love big, and give themselves fully to the process."
If I was interested in becoming a foster parent or learning more about it, where would I begin?
"If you choose to go through local government, you contact your county government and ask how to get started with foster care training. In Suffolk county, you will be directed to the Department of Social Services’ office of Resource Development. There is a lot of paperwork and many hours of training that culminate in a home study and certification, if you’re approved. There are also some private organizations that facilitate foster care."
Do you need to be a two-parent household or a stay-at-home parent to do foster care?
"No. There are many accommodations for all kinds of families."
What kind of training do you need?
"A classroom type training course is required."
Tell us something about foster care that many people do not know?
"Sometimes you have to say no because your family can’t accommodate a child. It’s almost as hard as saying yes."
Could you give any other advice for foster parents or potential foster parents?
"Everyone says 'I could never do that'. The thing that changed my mind was someone who said to me 'Well the kids have no choice. If they can do it, so can you.' "
Interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent but not sure where to start?
- The Children's Bureau, which is under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, maintains a directory of contact information for state child welfare officials, programs, organizations, and services with a focus on foster care, permanency, and adoption. Search the directory here.
- The National Foster Parent Association offers resources and education to foster parents or people interested in learning more about fostering.
In The Hamptons, NY here are agencies and groups where you can find information:
- Suffolk County Family and Children Services
- Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition
- Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York
