Press Release: Foster Care Needed

WESTCHESTER COUNTY NEEDS FOSTER CARE PARENTS

White Plains, NY (March 23, 2016) - Just as we prepare our gardens for spring plantings, we also need to help prepare new homes for Westchester’s vulnerable foster care children so they can thrive in the coming seasons.

Westchester County, Family Ties and United Way’s 2-1-1 are inviting people to attend one of two foster care orientation nights in the month of April.

Orientations will be held on April 6 and April 20 between 6 pm to 8 pm at 112 East Post Road White Plains. Sign up today by calling 2-1-1.

“Orientation is a great opportunity for families to learn more about what is involved with fostering a child with Westchester County, the regulations and requirements governing foster homes and also to learn about all the great supports Westchester County offers to both foster parents and the children in care. We have a great program and we want families to know more about it” said Betty Mutschler, Foster Parent Training Program Director for Westchester County.

United Way’s 2-1-1 information and helpline will be accepting calls from potential foster parents, provide information and initial screening, then sign them up for an orientation.

Westchester County, Family Ties and United Way’s 2-1-1 are inviting people to attend one of two Foster Care Orientation nights in the month of April. Their goal is to have at least 50 people attend and learn how a safe and loving home can completely change the lives of these children.

“The need for good homes never goes away,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “There are children right here in Westchester who are in need of a safe and loving home. I urge anyone interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent to call 2-1-1 today.”

The county currently has more than 230 foster parents caring for 190 kids. There is still a great need for families who will take sibling groups, older children, minority children and children with special needs. Siblings often have to be split up in foster care.

“Calling 2-1-1 is the first step for people who want to know more about becoming a foster parent,” Alana Sweeny, CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, commented “In our work the evidence supports that a safe environment is the first step in getting children on the right path to success.”

United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral telephone service familiar to Westchester County residents. The 2-1-1 Call Center operates seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.