Southern Maryland News

Homes sweet homes

Calvert social services celebrates placement of seven children

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The Calvert County Department of Social Services celebrated National Adoption Month in November, but is still seeking additional foster and adoptive families.

At an event recognizin­g the placement of seven children with six families at Imaginariu­m, an indoor playground located in Solomons, families enjoyed an evening of laser tag, painting and pizza together.

The department also recognized Dynita and Edward Wilcher as Calvert County’s 2021 Adoptive

Parents of the Year for their outstandin­g contributi­ons to their two adoptive children and their ongoing commitment to fostering future children in need.

Still, there is a nationwide shortage of foster families and the Calvert County Department of Social Services expresses a critical need for foster and adoptive parents in its jurisdicti­on.

“We need families who are willing to understand and care for children who’ve often experience­d trauma and need a safe place to call home,” Amye Scrivener, director of Calvert County Department of Social Services, said in a news release. “We’re looking for individual­s who’ll work with us if challengin­g behaviors arise and embrace the enormous effort, patience, and love that raising a child requires. Every child deserves a stable, nurturing home.”

More than 65% of Calvert County’s foster children receive placements outside of the county due to a limited number of foster homes.

Calvert County Department of Social Services is looking for compassion­ate families willing to take in children of all ages and be resources for short-term or long-term placements.

Supporting children and youth in foster care takes a village, and the community’s efforts are appreciate­d.

The Calvert County Department of Social Ser

vices works to support children in foster care and assist them on their paths to permanency.

For those unable to com

mit to being a foster parent full-time, options are available to serve as a respite or emergency placement.

For more informatio­n or to

learn more about the needs of Calvert County foster children, contact 443-550-6921 or calvert.resourceho­mes@ maryland.gov.

 ?? SUBMITTED PHOTO ?? In the back row is Bryce Wilcher, left, and Drew Wilcher. In the front row is Kendall Wilcher, Edward Wilcher with Cora Wilcher, Danita Wilcher, Myles Wilcher and Camille Wilcher.
SUBMITTED PHOTO In the back row is Bryce Wilcher, left, and Drew Wilcher. In the front row is Kendall Wilcher, Edward Wilcher with Cora Wilcher, Danita Wilcher, Myles Wilcher and Camille Wilcher.

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