Many have provided service for 5 years or less to Maryland’s vulnerable children
Baltimore, MD (June 1, 2013) –- On Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Government House, First Lady Catherine O’Malley, Maryland Resource Parent Association and Department of Human Resources (DHR) Secretary Ted Dallas will host foster parents from every jurisdiction in Maryland to thank them for their contributions to children in foster care.
This is the sixth year that the First Lady has opened her home during National Foster Care Month to foster parents and their children
“By opening their homes, these parents are creating a nurturing environment for vulnerable children,” said First Lady O’Malley. “I am proud to open my home and welcome those families that provide a safe haven during a very unsteady period for these children.”
DHR is actively recruiting foster families so that children in care will have the opportunity to stay closer to their communities, even when they might not be able to live in their own homes. Across Maryland there are more than 6,100 young people in foster care – half of them are 13 years of age or older.
“We know that children do better in family settings,” said DHR Secretary Dallas. “Helping a young person grow into an adult can be an especially rewarding experience for a foster parent.”
The 25 foster families being honored come from each Maryland county and Baltimore City. Even though the honorees are relatively new to fostering children, they have demonstrated an extraordinary willingness to partner with their local department of social services to help children in need.
During the O’Malley-Brown Administration, Maryland has prioritized finding safe, permanent homes for children in care. Since 2008, more than 12,000 children have been reunified with their families, adopted or placed with legal guardians, and there are fewer children in care today than at any time since electronic record keeping began 25 years ago.
“It is heartwarming to know that families continue to step up for the children in their communities. We need everyone to get involved in this massive effort,” Secretary Dallas said.
News media interested in attending the reception should contact the DHR press office. For more information about foster parenting, call 1-888-MD-KIDS2 or visit www.dhr.maryland.gov.
