The Faces of Foster Parents in 2016

Keeping children safe, healthy and with their families is the ultimate goal at The New York Foundling. We dedicate and focus our time, energy and resources to create strong and stable households and communities. Through our preventative services, at-risk families are given the tools they need to succeed and stay together. And in the event that a child needs to enter the foster care system, it’s important to have loving and supportive foster parents who can provide a safe and stable environment while Foundling case planners and social workers find a permanent solution for the child.

 

May is National Foster Care Month. At The Foundling, we look for foster parents who will serve as positive role models, help children adjust with separation and emotional trauma, and provide the kids in their care with love, support and stability.

 

Sherrie F. is a foster parent with The Foundling has raised five children of her own. Currently she is the foster parent to her two grandchildren, ages 5 and 8.

“Encouragement is the best motivation a child can experience. I believe in rewarding with kindness, love and encouragement,” explains Sherrie.

 

The landscape of foster parents in New York City is changing. Many times, children are able to stay with a relative (e.g., an aunt, uncle or grandparent) while their parent gets the help they need. This is the case with Sherri and her two grandchildren. Foster parents are also single parents or young parents in their late 20s or early 30s. Older adults are opening up their homes as well.

 

The Foundling always welcomes new foster parents. If you would like to open your heart and your home to a child, teenager or set of siblings, please take the first step and learn more about becoming a Foster Parent here.