Resiliency, passion, and love are the three words that come to mind when reflecting on our current state of affairs in Western New York. I get to observe the hours foster parents spend ensuring the child in their care receives every ounce of love, support, and nurturing a child so rightfully deserves. I am able to witness the joy of an adoption, something that comes after many hours of hard work on the part of the agency’s social worker, and the supreme patience and understanding on the part of the adoptive parent. I have seen foster children return to their birth family, a situation we all hope for when a child comes into our care. And, with that, the bittersweet happiness of the foster parent, who, despite knowing a child returning to their birth family is an incredibly happy moment, will miss the love and connection they shared during their time together.
Fostering a child is no easy task. It often brings heartbreak, frustration, and stress. As a foster parent, you are tasked with advocating for a child that has come to you under the most traumatic of circumstances. You have to be a calm and healing presence to that child, something that does not always come easily.
Since COVID-19, the need for foster parents has magnified. There is no “pause” for a child’s safety and well-being. Having foster parents to call on during this time of extreme need and hardship is critical to maintaining the safety of the children in our communities. It has been an honor to bear witness to the foster parents of Child & Family Services, and their love for the children in their care. May is National Foster Care Month, and I encourage you all to take a moment to recognize all foster parents who are answering the call to help a child and their family.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Largo
Program Manager, Foster Care and Adoption