The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Officials adopt special resolution
Commissioners proclaim May Foster Parent Appreciation Month
The Lake County commissioners recently adopted a special resolution recognizing May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month.
The Lake County Department of Job and Family Services reported there are 49 licensed foster homes currently in Lake County.
The proclamation the board unanimously passed, in part, states “.... every child has the inherent right to grow up in a safe, permanent, loving family which lays the foundation for a happy and productive adulthood .... ”
“Not only today, but every day, we must come together as a community to recognize the important role foster parents play by providing safe and stable homes for children and youth in need,” said Commissioner John Hamercheck. “That quality cannot be understated.”
Dedicated foster parents help children in the community through a difficult time in their lives, providing comfort, understanding and security while families work toward reunification, which is the ultimate goal, noted Job and Family Services Director Matt Battiato.
“May is a great time for renewing commitments to ensure a brighter future for children and youth in foster care and to celebrate those who make such a meaningful difference in their lives,” said Commissioner Ron Young.
The Department of Job and Family Services has a committed group of foster parents who have made caring for children in need during the novel coronavirus pandemic a top priority, added Suzanne Casar, who will assume the role of director June 1.
“During a time when social distancing is encouraged, our foster parents continue to open their homes and hearts to children who have experienced trauma,” she said. “Our foster parents provide a safe place for children to work through difficulties, grow and thrive. Their devotion and selflessness to the children of Lake County is an inspiration.
“If you know a foster family in our community, please take a moment to recognize the work they do and thank them for a job well done.”
In cases where children cannot be reunified with their parents, for whatever reasons, many foster parents are approved as adoptive parents, Battiato said.
“Foster parents, whom I characterize as saints, need to be celebrated for the essential role they play in healing, development and success of the children and youth in their care,” said Commissioner John Plecnik. “They take on a remarkable responsibility in saying, ‘This is my child.’”
According to the department, the healthiest environment for a child who has been separated from his or her family is with another family.
“The more foster parents we have in our community increases the likelihood that children will be reunified with their families,” Battiato said. “No matter what the circumstances, we work to keep them together and we’re always in need for the very special people that make that commitment.”