A Letter to the Editor from State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

Dear Editor:

As an adopted person and a state legislator, I know the importance of strengthening the state’s child welfare system to give every child in Illinois a home.  It’s a very simple notion of “home” – to be safe, loved, and cared for – that too many of us often take for granted.

I also know firsthand the power of the gift a foster or adoptive parent unselfishly gives when they choose to love and nurture a child as their own. The impact on a child’s life and our society as a whole is far-reaching.

Unfortunately, at any time there are approximately 16,000 youth in Illinois’ foster care due to abuse, neglect or other circumstances within their homes.

That is why on Sunday, February 17, I am proud to co-host a seminar with state Reps. Greg Harris, Kelly Cassidy, Deb Mell and Lawrence Hall Youth Services to provide prospective parents with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision about becoming a foster parent.

I hope you will join us at 3 p.m. on the 17^th at the Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted) and learn more about what it means to be a foster parent and how to become one in Illinois.

Sincerely,

Sara Feigenholtz
State Representative,  12^th District