And as National Foster Care Month has been observed in May, that need is being highlighted, including in Davis County and Northern Utah.
Davis County is served by the Ogden office of the Utah Foster Care Foundation, headed by Brenda Durtschi. “We want to express appreciation for what foster parents do. There are about 350 foster parents in Northern Utah, and that’s still not enough.”
She has continually expressed appreciation particularly for Davis County families, some of whom care for children from Weber County and beyond – because there aren’t enough foster parents in those other areas.
Foster parents, especially those connected with State of Utah programs, are not serving in that capacity because they want to make lots of money, Durtschi said.
“It costs more to board a dog than what our families get in reimbursement, on a daily basis,” she said. “They (families) do a lot with what little they get. It is considered a reimbursement.
“It costs money to raise children, but we have some really great families in Davis County, and this is an opportunity to say thanks,” said Durtschi, herself a Davis County resident.
“We want them to know how much we appreciate what they are doing for children by bringing them into their homes, and for families that are trying to get back together. Ultimately, it is also a benefit for the community, which is strengthened through their service,” she said.
Foster Care families receive 32 hours of free, ongoing training and encouragement of foster parent support groups in their area, notes Deborah Lindner, community relations manager for the Utah Foster Care Foundation.
“The need for foster/adoptive families is ongoing, especially for families willing to help keep brothers and sisters together and to care for children over the age of 6,” she says.
In the Bountiful area, training classes will be held in August. More details will be provided later.
For more information, call 1-877-392-1114 or visit the Web at utahfostercare.org.
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
Post a Comment
