The Santa Barbara County Board of
Supervisors has recognized May as National Foster Care Month. In a resolution
passed unanimously at their May 6 meeting, the Board celebrated foster parents
for giving their time, love, and commitment to children in foster care and
their families.
A widely admired local foster family
was present for the occasion. (The family prefers to remain anonymous.) Also
present were representatives of the county’s Department of Social Services,
including director Daniel Nielson and Child Welfare Services chief Delfino
Neira.
“Every child deserves a home where they
are safe, loved and nurtured,” said Neira. “Foster, kinship and adoptive families
open their homes, families and hearts to formerly abused or neglected children
and teens.”
Child Welfare Services (CWS) assesses
and investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect. If the child cannot
safely remain in the home, CWS temporarily places the child with another
caregiver, such as a relative or foster parent. Meanwhile the biological family
receives voluntary or court-ordered services (and visitation) to help resolve
its issues so the child can safely return home. If a safe return home is not
possible, then the foster parent or relative caregiver may adopt the child, or
CWS can find the child another permanent home.
Approximately 500 children are in foster placements
throughout the county.
The resolution lauded foster parents
for providing children with guidance, stability, love, and lifetime
connections, while helping families heal and reunify.
More foster homes are needed, Neira said,
and indicated that people interested in becoming foster parents should contact Anne
Rodriguez, the CWS foster parent recruiter.
Rodriguez agreed. “We always need homes
for kids in care,” she said, “especially people who can support reunification
efforts, but would consider adopting the child if reunification efforts are not
successful. Our main goal is permanence with the biological family, but if that
is not possible, then with a loving adoptive family.”
For more
information on becoming a foster parent, contact Anne Rodriguez at A.Rodgriguez@SBCSocialServ.org or (805) 696-8959.
