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Help Make a Difference as a Foster Parent

Help Make a Difference as a Foster Parent

Community Reports @ EPA.net Posted 2/11/05 Ella Beecher, an East Palo Alto foster parent Help Make a Difference as a Foster Parent Attend an April 12th informational meeting in East Palo Alto By Kristy Su Lamore, Recruiter Specialist Foster Care and Adoption Program San Mateo County Human Services Agency Ella Beecher and her husband James have been foster parents in East Palo Alto for eleven years. They have had over 50 children in their home during that time. Reflecting on this experience, Ms. Beecher says that, "Being a foster parent is very rewarding and brings a lot of joy into your heart. You are helping fulfill a child's life and it helps fulfill your own life at the same time. The only thing you need to have is lots of love and patience." Foster parents matter because each year San Mateo County Children and Family Services investigates over 4000 calls involving allegations of child abuse. In about 6% of those cases, the children need to be placed temporarily in a foster home. These foster homes provide care for a child while social workers become involved with the family and seek to initiate changes that will help them resolve their problems. Unfortunately there are just not enough foster homes in San Mateo County. More safe and loving homes are needed to care for these children until they can be returned to their families or if that is not possible, adopted. Foster parents can be single or married, own or rent their home, and are paid a stipend to help meet the needs of the children in the home. Please attend an informational meeting in East Palo Alto about becoming a foster parent. You will have an opportunity to talk with Ms. Beecher or another experienced foster parent who will share her story and answer your questions about the process One or more San Mateo County social workers will also be present to answer questions in English and Spanish, help families understand the role of the foster parent, and assist interested families with the licensing process. The next meeting will be held on April 12th from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at 1798 Bay Road, Building B. Meetings are held every other month at this same  time and location. Upcoming meetings will be held on June 7th, August 23rd, and October 18th. As Ms. Beecher says, "If you are interested in being a foster parent, come on board and help make a difference in someone else’s life.” Please join us April 12th and learn how your family can help nurture a child in your community. For more information, call Kristy Lamore, San Mateo County Children and Family Services at 650-595-7651 or email her at klamore@smchsa.org. You can also find out more at the Foster Care and Adoption Program web page. To hear audio testimonials from other San Mateo County foster parents, click here.

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