WESTFIELD-Across the state, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) has been hosting recruitment events this month to introduce area residents to the benefits of becoming a foster parent.
On June 25, DCF’s Western Massachusetts foster care recruitment team, along with staff and social workers from the central office in Boston, will visit the Westfield Boy’s & Girl’s Club on Silver Street for a “Foster Care Appreciation and Recruitment Fair.”
The 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. event will give an overview of the foster parent role and the importance of providing a supportive and healing environment for the state’s most vulnerable children.
At any given time, DCF estimates there are approximately 1,600 children from Western Massachusetts in foster care.
“Anyone from the community who is thinking about becoming a foster parent is invited with their children,” said DCF social worker Michelle Daries. “DCF is excited to be able to offer this opportunity to talk about this worthy and fulfilling service.”
In addition to traditional foster homes, there are opportunities to provide short-term care to children who are taken into custody after hours or on weekends and holidays.
“When DCF has to remove a child at night or on the weekends, Hotline Homes provide needed comfort during a traumatic time in a child’s life,” said Susan Tucke, DCF’s director of adoption and foster care recruitment. “Hotline Homes provide a temporary place for a child to be cared for until the next business day.”
Tucke explained that DCF provides a support system for foster parents starting with introductory training to help understand the needs of children coming into care.
“Both hotline and long-term foster parents are required to submit to a background record check, attend a 30-hour training program, participate in the process in which their home will become a licensed foster home, and participate in regular visits made by DCF social workers to their homes,” said Tucke.
Tucke added that foster parents open their homes to care for the most vulnerable children in the state, and make the children feel as if they are a member of their family.
During the event at the Boy’s & Girl’s Club, informational sessions are scheduled for 11:30 a.m., 12:15 and 1 p.m.
“Each panel will consist of foster youth and foster parents sharing their stories with regards to their experience with foster care,” said Tucke.
Tucke noted that DCF also welcomes parents interested in adopting to attend the event.
“The foster care and adoption processes mirrors one another so information provided at this event is beneficial to both interested groups,” said Tucke.
Applications to become a foster parent will be available at the event.
“DCF is always recruiting individuals and families willing to support children in both short- and long-term placements,” said DCF social worker Kristen Condon. “No matter the time commitment, any foster parenting role makes a difference. What these children need is someone to care enough to listen to them read a homework book, tie their shoe laces, and to let them know they are in a place where they can finally relax and just be a child.”
Highlights of the free family event include musical entertainment by Noah Lis, a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice, refreshments, face painting, and children’s activities.
For more information on foster parenting, call (800) 543-7508 or visit www.mass.gov/dcf.
“Foster families say it best … it is so rewarding to support a child in need,” said Tucke. “The child and the foster family will always remember their time together and often stay in touch long after the placement ends.”
