Text Translation - Foster Parent Appreciation Month

Hello. I’m Paula Neese. Governor Matt Blunt is once again proclaiming May to be Foster Care Month in Missouri. As Director of the Missouri Children’s Division, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who open their hearts and homes to children and youth in need of temporary care. I join with Governor Blunt in asking all Missourians to show their appreciation to these special families.

More than 9,000 of Missouri’s children are unable to remain safely in their own homes, on any given day. These chldren face the trauma of leaving their familiar surroundings. Increasingly, relatives and others known to the children and their families are taking on the responsibility of caring for them, easing this difficult transition period. We are thankful for these relative and kinship providers. When this is not possible, there are foster families waiting to take these children into their own homes.

Foster families provide so much more than just food and a safe place to live. They, and their own family members, provide a nurturing environment to help ease the pain and anxiety a child or youth may be experiencing. Foster parents work with the biological family and other stakeholders to help children return home safely or achieve permanency through adoption. In fact, close to 70 percent of those children who need a “forever family” are adopted by their foster parents.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all foster parents and their children, as all share their hearts, homes, time and energy with children who find themselves in great need. Though we specifically recognize foster parents in May, those of us at the Children’s Division, the larger child welfare system and in each community across the state, need to keep in mind throughout the year those who are stepping up to help our children.

So, foster parents, please accept my sincere thanks for taking on this responsibility. You are truly investing in the future of these children and their families. May you and your loved ones be greatly blessed as you seek to serve Missouri children at this most vulnerable time in their lives.