Governor Rell Cites Need For More Foster Families

As Connecticut Kicks Off Foster Care Month

Celebrations Throughout May To Thank Foster Parents

And Raise Public Awareness

            Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that May is Foster Care Month in Connecticut, calling foster parents essential partners in the State's response to children, who are abused or neglected. 

            Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent should please call 1-888-KID-HERO, and please click on the following link Foster Care Month for a full calendar of May events.

            "Foster parents form the foundation of our work to help children who have to be placed in state care," Governor Rell said. "We can only fulfill our obligation to these children by working together with our foster parents, and so it is essential that we have an adequate pool of foster homes."

As of March 2009, the state had 3,388 licensed homes, including foster homes, relative homes, special study homes and therapeutic (private licensed) foster homes. There are approximately 5,000 children in a state placement as the result of abuse and neglect. Children with more significant clinical treatment needs are served in congregate settings such as residential treatment centers and group homes. In 2008, 68 percent of children in state care lived in a family setting as opposed to a congregate setting, an increase of 11 percentage points compared to 2002.

Governor Rell said more foster families will help the State serve a greater proportion of these children in home-based settings when appropriate based on the individual child's needs. More homes are needed as well to ensure that homes are most appropriate for the individual child.

"The more families we have to draw upon the better chance we have for matching children to families who can best meet their needs, including families who live close to the child’s hometown," Governor Rell said.

There is a particular need for families who are able to care for babies, adolescents, children of color, siblings and children with medical needs.

The Department of Children and Families Commissioner Susan I. Hamilton, JD, MSW, said foster parents derive a great deal of personal satisfaction and joy from their relationships with children who face challenging circumstances.

"Foster parents are wonderful people who reap great rewards from caring for children who need them," Commissioner Hamilton said.

The Department and the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents are working together to both honor existing foster parents and to raise awareness among the public about the need and opportunities for fostering.