August 19, 2003

Steinhaus Thanks Foster Parents

County Executive Steinhaus joined the Department of Social Services and area foster parents for a old-fashioned summer picnic at Dutchess County’s Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie this afternoon. The picnic was designed to serve as a small thank you to area residents who serve as foster parents who give their time to care for children in need of a responsible adult.

The highlight of the picnic was a skit of the “Three Little Pigs” put on by a dozen of the foster children and DSS staff.

Steinhaus stated, “The work that foster parents do is incredible. And when you speak to them, they do not consider it a job, they do it straight from the heart and that is commendable. What was so impressive today was to talk to the foster parents who have adopted children. One Dad “Raphael” told me of his family—and it was most interesting to hear that all the kids get along with each other—just like regular brothers and sisters.”

For more information on becoming a foster parent, contact Dutchess County Department of Social Services at            (845) 486-3069 or (845) 486-3071.

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