Maryland’s First Lady Opens Government House to Outstanding Foster Parents

Baltimore, MD  (May 21, 2015):   Every May, during National Foster Parent Awareness Month, Maryland’s outstanding foster parents are recognized for their commitment and dedication.  This year, Secretary Sam Malhotra joined First Lady Yumi Hogan as she hosted a reception  at Government House for families who chose to foster children with disabilities.

In Maryland,  there are 4995 children who live in out of home care. Foster families care for 3484 of those  4995 children.   Each of the Department of Human Resources’ Local Departments of Social Services identified a family that excels in fostering children with various  disabilities to receive this recognition.

“It takes a special type of person to foster  special needs children. Many of the children are faced with physical, mental, and/or cognitive disabilities that can be very challenging at times,” said  Malhotra. “Opening their home to a child who may need a special diet, medical equipment, or just an extra hug to make them feel a part of a family is why we celebrate these families.”

The  First Lady treated the families to a buffet luncheon  and presented them with an award certificate along with a small token of appreciation as recognition of their outstanding service to Maryland’s children in out of home care.  In addition, the honorees had their photos taken with the First Lady and the Secretary of DHR.

In addition to this celebration, the 24 local department of social services show their appreciation to their local foster parents by hosting dinners, picnics, family fun days, an Inner Harbor cruise, bowling and skating outings, and more,  to say thank you.

The 2015 Outstanding Foster Families are:

Individuals interested in becoming foster or adoptive parent s should contact their local department of social services.

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Note:  Courtesy photographs of all the honorees are available for download. https://www.flickr.com/photos/dhrpics/sets/