Local event is part of National Foster Care Month

This May, Fort Scott joined with thousands of communities across the country in celebrating the loving, caring adults who are making a positive difference in the lives of children and youth in foster care.

As part of National Foster Care Month, TFI Family Services Inc. (TFI) staff provided a night out for local foster parents as a means of appreciation and support. The staff cared for more than 30 children while foster parents were given gift certificates to go out for dinner at El Charro.

"It was nice to get out," Connie Harper, a resource foster parent, said in a release. "We had a good time; the bill was cheaper. The kids really enjoyed it and the staff does good work."

Connie went on to share that not only was the night out a rare opportunity for her and her husband, who have several kids in their home through adoption, guardianship and biological parenting; but also that the kids look forward to the monthly support meetings where, like with this event, they get to spend time with their peers.

Foster parents play a vital role in the local community. All children deserve a safe, happy life and family, and youth in the state's care have a particular need for nurturing adults on their side because their own families are in crisis and unable to care for them.

This is where foster parents step in and provide that nurturing environment that local youth so desperately need the release said.

To learn about becoming a licensed foster parent, call TFI at (800) 279-9914 or visit the website www.tfifamilyservices.org.

Submitted to the Tribune.