MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services Home Finding Team will offer a free Foster Parent Open House on Thursday, January 13 via Zoom.
According to officials, the free open house and will feature two one-hour sessions, starting at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectfully. Attendees will learn about various foster care and adoption programs within Chautauqua County and meet the DOH’s Home Finding Team.
Foster Care services provide out-of-home care for children in the custody of the Commissioner of Social Services. Foster care plays an important role in providing temporary, safe and nurturing homes to children when their parents are unable to care for them.
Children are placed in foster homes in situations where they have been removed from their own families because they have been abused, neglected, or because of other family problems that exist that endanger their safety. Children in foster care may range from infancy through 18 years of age and may have special medical, physical or emotional needs; the children may belong to any ethnicity or race and be part of a group of brothers and sisters who need to remain together.
According to Leanna Luka-Conley, the Deputy Commissioner of Adult, Children, and Family Services, there are approximately 100 children currently in foster care in Chautauqua County.
“Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding and challenging opportunity to change someone’s life. Children of all ages in our own communities are in need of ‘professional parents’ to give them a good, temporary home and a chance to succeed in life” said Luka-Conley.
Preregistration is required and can be made by emailing Sara Johnson at johnsons@chqgov.com or on www.chqhhs.com.
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