Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus today joined with  Department of Social Services Commissioner Bob Allers and staff to thank and honor the more than 100 foster parents in Dutchess County.

Steinhaus visited with the foster parents and children at the 2007 Foster/Adoptive Parent Brunch held this morning at the Department of Social Services office on Market Street.   The annual brunch celebrates all that foster and adoptive parents do to help children in foster care to blossom.  This year’s brunch highlighted foster parents who have opened their homes to sibling groups of three children or more.

“We are truly blessed to have such special people in our community.  Our foster parents share their lives and their love with children in need and provide a stable and secure home.   To offer such a gift to a child is the truly the act of a generous heart and I am thankful to all of them,” said County Executive Steinhaus.

Foster parents play an essential role in providing temporary, safe, and nurturing homes to children when their parents are unable to care for them.   The Department of Social Services is always looking for additional people to become foster parents.  Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent and providing a stable, loving home to help children in need can contact the Dutchess County Department of Social Services at 486-3000.