Become a Foster Care Hero for Local Children

OSWEGO COUNTY – National Foster Parent Appreciation Month is celebrated every May to raise awareness about the ongoing need for foster parents in all communities. It recognizes the foster parents, family members, volunteers and child welfare professionals who work together to help children and young people find stable, permanent homes.

“Our children are our most precious resource and they deserve every opportunity for a safe and happy life,” said Oswego County Legislator Michael Solowy, District 23, chairman of the Legislature’s Human Services Committee. “I encourage our citizens to get involved – whether as a foster or adoptive parent, or as a volunteer or mentor. Get involved to help make a better life for these kids.”

During any given month, approximately 160 Oswego County children and youth are placed in foster care. Oswego County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Foster Care Unit works hard to try and keep them local. Approximately 120 kids live with certified foster families in the community, while others live in residential or congregate care settings outside of the county. If more local homes were available, even more children could stay here in Oswego County.

“Foster parents are essential in our communities,” said Oswego County DSS Commissioner Lee Sullivan. “They enhance the life of a child by providing the security and stability they need. This can make a significant difference as they grow into adults and learn to navigate the world.”

Oswego County needs foster parents to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children who are temporarily unable to reside at home. Foster parents work closely with birth families, caseworkers, law guardians and other human services professionals to make meaningful connections with the child and often become a supportive and lasting presence in their lives.

DSS offers virtual orientation meetings each month for people to learn what it means to become a foster or adoptive parent. The next one is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 7. Those who would like to participate and help local children and teens find a ‘forever family’ can contact Jennifer Burgess by Thursday, July 2.

Call 315-963-5382 or email [email protected] and provide an email address to register. Login information will be provided to those who pre-register. If no responses are received, the meeting will be cancelled.

With dozens of local children and teens in need of love and care, DSS encourages residents to help raise awareness by sharing this information with interested friends and family members.

For more information about foster parenting and adoption through DSS, go to

https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/human_services/social_services/adult___family_services/foster_care___adoption.php.

The Legislature’s Human Services Committee oversees DSS. In addition to Legislator Solowy, committee members include Vice Chairwoman Noelle Salmonsen, District 21; Joseph Arduini, District 22; Frank Bombardo, District 7; Richard Kline, District 12; Linda Lockwood, District 11; and Ryan Taylor, District 25.