May was National Foster Care Month and with the need for foster parents continually great, the Westchester County Department of Social Services along with its partners, Family Ties of Westchester and United Way's 2-1-1, are encouraging residents to consider taking in a foster child.
"Almost a half million youth across the nation live in foster care because their own families are currently unable to care for them," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "These children need and are entitled to a safe loving home. we hope to make it easier to find qualified foster parents who can give these children the care and attention they deserve."
Close to home, Westchester County has a success story in Jim Bostic, a former basketball player for the Detroil Pisons who is now executive director of the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers."My biological mother was a teenager when she gave birth to me and she placed me in the foster care system when I was only two weeks old," Bostic said. He was taken in by a loving family with three of their own children and two other foster children and remained with the family throughout his entire childhood. He credits them with saving his life. "I don't know where I would've ended up had it not been for them," he said.
Currently, the county has 200 foster parents but new foster parents are always needed. In Westchester County, there is a great need for families who will provide a home to older children, babies, and sibling groups. Siblings often have to be split up in foster care since there are not enough homes that can accommodate multiple children, jeopardizing long-lasting relationships.
United Way's 2-1-1 call specialists are available to help prospective parents determine if they have the basic eligibility to become foster parents. If parents meet the basic criteria, they can sign up through 2-1-1 for an orientation facilitated by Family Ties of Westchester, a nonprofit organization offering support services, education, and advocacy to families of children with emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric challenges.
"You don't have to be perfect to be a foster adoptive parent but those who do it are very special,"said Betty Mutschler, associate executive Director of Family Ties. "We are fully committed to ensuring that all foster parents receive the training and support that they need to be successful."
"It is imperative to get these kids on the right path to a successful future. That starts with a safe, loving home." said Naomi Adler, CEO and president of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. "We hope this reminder of Foster Care Month will inspire more people to call United Way's 2-1-1. Foster parents can be such a positive influence in a struggling child's life."
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or have inquiries about the process, please call United Way's 2-1-1. This free, confidential helpline is available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, in more than 200 languages.