You can change a life
May is National Foster Care Month, a time where we can come together to thank those people who have taken the challenge and became a foster parent. With nearly half a million children in foster care across the country and 75 in Clinton County at any given time, foster parents play a very important role in helping foster children overcome many challenges during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
This month the Clinton County Department of Human Services is taking the time to thank those families who have opened up their hearts and homes to youth in need. National Foster Care month is also a great time for new families to become informed on how they can change the life of a youth for a lifetime.
One former foster child from Clinton County put it clear 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 a 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. Current foster parents in Clinton County encourage people to consider becoming a foster parent because there are children who need good, loving homes. If you’re scared about the challenges, there are much training, support groups, and other resources available to you to help aid you as you take on this new life direction.
If you’re considering taking this new, exciting, and rewarding journey 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. The Clinton County Department of Human Services needs home across the whole county.
No matter how much time you have to give, you have the power to do something positive that will change the life of a young person in foster care forever. So take the time this May to get more information about becoming a licensed foster parent in Clinton County and if you know someone who is fostering or adopted, please take the time to thank them.
To dedicate your heart today please contact Andrea Villanueva at the Department of Human Services at 989-224-5548 or Villanuevaa@michigan.gov.