Poughkeepsie … When William and Emily learned of a dire need in their community – namely, caring for children whose birth parents couldn’t care for them, for a variety of circumstances – they knew they had to help. They first became foster parents in 2022, opening their home and heart to a child they didn’t know, but who desperately needed their love and support.
In the intervening two years, William and Emily have similarly fostered many Dutchess County children whose home life had become too dangerous to remain there – many of these placements have occurred at the last minute or in the wee hours of the morning, driven by emergency circumstances. They’ve since adopted a young girl and are currently fostering five other children, growing their own family and giving vulnerable children hope.
To celebrate William, Emily and the more than 120 foster families who open their homes to children in need, the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS) recently hosted a unique Foster Care Appreciation event dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of local foster parents and foster families throughout Dutchess County. This celebratory event, hosted at Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley, included complimentary dinner and dessert, arts and crafts activities and games for the entire family.
DCFS honored, in particular, foster parents who have reached significant milestones in their fostering journey, with special recognition for those who have been fostering for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years or longer. In addition to William and Emily, honorees included two foster parents who have fostered local children for 20 years; two foster parents who have fostered for 17 years; nine foster parents who have fostered between 10 and 14 years; and 25 foster parents who have fostered between five and nine years. Additionally, DCFS honored one family that has fostered 16 local children and is in the process of adopting their eighth child; and a couple that is currently fostering five children, having already adopted another.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “These dedicated parents have opened their hearts and their homes to provide stability, love and support to children in need. As a county, we express our profound gratitude to these foster parents who play crucial roles in the community, and we celebrate their families’ successes. We hope these residents’ devotion to Dutchess County’s vulnerable children will inspire others to explore becoming a foster parent.”
Foster parents provide temporary care for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or other family challenges. By becoming a foster parent, individuals can make a profound difference in a child’s life – offering them stability, love and the opportunity to thrive. The ultimate goal of foster care is reuniting children with their birth parents, as their birth parents undergo treatment for the issues that keep their children from them. In the interim, foster parents temporarily look after a child until they can return to their birth parents; when that’s not possible, the children can become eligible to be adopted. While the role of a foster parent can be challenging – requiring compassion, patience and a commitment to making a positive impact – its rewards are immeasurable.
Foster care provides children, from birth to age to 21, with temporary, safe, loving homes, when their own families are unable to care for them. Foster parents become part of a countywide team working together to support, nurture and protect children while strengthening their families. Becoming a foster parent is a commitment that will have a meaningful impact on a child’s life. DCFS currently has children placed in approximately 120 foster homes throughout Dutchess County.
DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka said, “Foster care is a lifeline for children in need, providing them with love, security and hope for the future. We are deeply grateful to our current foster parents for their selfless dedication and compassion. We encourage others in our community to consider opening their hearts and homes to make a lasting difference in a child's life."
• must be at least 21 years old;
• can be married, single, or living in partnership;
• have their own source of income;
• have a bed for each child;
• have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors;
• have the ability to work as a member of a team;
• provide a safe and healthy home; and
• each person in the home 18 years or older must be fingerprinted and cleared through the Child Abuse Registry, FBI and
Justice Center Registry.
DCFS’ efforts to enhance the lives of children of all ages currently in foster care continue throughout the year. Earlier this week, the department hosted its Community Forum for the Advancement of Older Foster Youth at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum's Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center in Hyde Park. The event convened dozens of local service providers and stakeholders to enhance ways to support older youth as they age out of foster care and ensure they have long-term stability and well-being.
The need for foster parents is ongoing, and DCFS encourages residents to consider opening their homes and hearts to children in need; DCFS provides foster parents with training and ongoing support.
There are various ways to support foster care, from becoming a foster parent to volunteering and supporting foster families in other capacities. Interested individuals can learn more about fostering and the application process by visiting the DCFS website or contacting the Foster Care Unit at 845-486-3220 or FosterCare@DutchessNY.gov.
