You Can Change a Lifetime May 25
May is National Foster Care Month, a time where we can come together to thank those people who have taken the challenge and become a foster parent. With nearly half a million children in foster care across the country and 75 in Clinton County, foster parents play a very important role in helping foster children overcome many challenges in the most challenging time of their life.
At the Clinton County Department of Human Services we have 39 foster homes who have taken the challenge to help change a life.
May is a great time to thank the people who have opened their homes to be licensed foster parents and for others to consider how they could change the life of a youth in foster care.
One former foster child from Clinton County put it clear in saying, “Foster care means a home to me and someone who loves me…” and went on to say that “I would have been lost without the support of my foster and now adoptive mom and she means the world to me.”
Another foster child felt that while foster care can be frustrating it meant a lot to her to have supportive foster home where she could be happy.
Foster Parenting is a rewarding experience, often serving as the bridge between a difficult past and a hopeful future. Take time today to dedicate your heart and help a child in need. Current foster parents in Clinton County encourage people to consider being a foster parent because there are children who need good, loving homes; and even if you’re scared about the challenges, there are numerous different resources can help.
For those considering taking the challenge, you can be single or married, be at least 18 years of age, have a stable home that you own or rent, stable income and most importantly are those who are able to offer patience, kindness and understanding.
One needs to be willing to love and understand a child, share their time, offer flexibility and objectivity, work as a team and emphasize the positive. If you feel you have something to offer to children, especially older children, please consider becoming a licensed foster parent. The Clinton County Department of Human Services needs safe and caring homes for children of all ages, particularly homes that would consider placement of teenagers, sibling groups and youth with special needs. Licensed foster homes are needed throughout the county.
No matter how much time you have to give, you have the power to do something positive that will change a lifetime for a young person in foster care. So take the time this May to thank those who already helping to change a life and to get more information about becoming a licensed foster parent in Clinton County, please contact Christine Sisung at the Department of Human Services at 989-224-5548 or sisungc@michigan.gov or attend the May Foster Parent Coffee hour on May 25th from 10-Noon at the Clinton County Department of Human Services Building.