“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” --Mark Twain

May is National Foster Parent Appreciation Month, a time that our nation recognizes those who play a part in the lives of children and youth in out-of-home care. In the midst of all we’re collectively facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services would like to pause and say “thank you” to our foster parents, who deserve that affirmation all year long and even more so during this pandemic.

A child’s welfare takes priority every day in the lives of foster parents.  Every year Our National Foster Care appreciation month recognizes the dedicated people who promote compassionate and stable homes for children. People who focus not only on the emotional and physical needs of the children but on their long-term goals, educational needs, and overall health. We wanted to bring the honor seldom recognized with the self-sacrifices made by those who support children through their journey to find a permanent home. 

A child’s welfare takes priority every day in the lives of foster parents.  Every year National Foster Care appreciation month recognizes the dedicated people who promote compassionate and stable homes for children. Foster parents focus not only on the emotional and physical needs of the children but on their long-term goals, educational needs, and overall health. The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services honors the sacrifices made by those who support children through their journey to find a permanent home. 

Cattaraugus County has 47 certified foster homes, 11 of these homes are considered “child specific” meaning they are a relative foster home who became certified for a specific child. All of these families have opened up their home to children on their worst day. They take them in and ease their fears and try to assure them that everything is going to be alright. These foster parents include these children in everything from family dinner to family vacation. This is one of the hardest jobs to do and it is 24 hours a day.

The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services is always looking for families interested in becoming foster parents. To find out how you can get involved, call our Home Finder at 373-8070.