Authored by: Teresa Cocker, Chief Program Officer
I am excited to share that all of our recruitment efforts are starting to pay off – we licensed our first foster home on Friday 9/28/18! Thank you to everyone who has helped to spread the word by sharing posts, hanging flyers, having yard signs and talking with community members. To date, our TFC program has conducted over 270 outreach efforts!
I have worked in the field of child welfare, specifically foster care for over 15 years and held several different positions, most recently in positions that did not include direct practice. I have to say I have a renewed respect for all direct practice social workers out there and in this case, particularly those who recruit, license and train foster parents on a daily basis. It takes a lot of time, energy, focus and organization, but totally worth it when you see the outcome of that perfect placement match and positive connections being made.
Now, a little bit about our foster family – Donna and Verlin. They applied to become therapeutic foster parents with Norris because they want to make positive impacts on the lives of children. “Just give them a chance and they will blossom,” Verlin shares of his experience working with foster children. When asked to share about their experience going through the foster parent licensing process, Verlin states, “[It] is long and vigorous, but it is to make sure kids are safe and get the best possible care.” He goes on to say that, “It is all worth it…there is nothing greater than to have the feeling that you’ve done something for kids to help them have healthy and successful lives.” Donna agrees by sharing that she became a foster parent because of the impact she can have and to see the positive outcomes in the lives of children.
Our goal is to license four additional foster homes before the end of the year. The number of children placed in foster care across the state continues to rise and there are not enough foster homes in local communities to keep children in their neighborhoods.
Anyone interested in learning more about being the connection that makes the difference in the life of a child by becoming a therapeutic foster parent can contact Norris at 262-222-2000 or tfc@norriscenter.org. Verlin and Donna are open to being contacted to talk about their personal experiences related to being foster parents. Anyone interested in speaking with them can also contact Norris.
Connecting Families, Changing Lives. Connections Matter. Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent.
