In this episode, we talked with Laura Edwards, who is a case worker with the Ontario County Department of Social Services Foster Homefinding Unit, and with foster parent Mandy Friend Gigliotti.
There is an informational and orientation meeting for would-be foster parents Thursday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at Ontario County DSS at 3010 County Complex Drive in Canandaigua. Call to find out more, (585) 396-4111 and ask to speak to someone in the Homefinding Unit.
We discussed the application and screening process and the support DSS provides to foster parents.
Mandy told us her story, that she and her husband didn’t necessarily want more kids, but they felt they still had more to give. We talked about the first meeting, the challenge of parenting a foster child with your own kids still in the house and coping with the fear that you’re not doing it right. Mandy told us Laura and the people in the Homefinding Unit are there to answer questions and help deal with the challenges.
When we asked Mandy what she would say to potential foster parents who are still on the fence, she said “listen to the calling within your heart, and not the voices surrounding you.”
Is Foster Parenting right for my family?
Foster parents….
- Come in all ages, 21 and up
- Are married, single or partners
- Live in a city, suburbs or country
- Rent or own their home
How do I become a Foster Parent?
- Complete a phone inquiry. Call 396-4111
- Attend an orientation session
- Attend our pre-certification classes (spring or fall)
- Provide personal references and current medical report
- Complete a background check
- Participate in a home study
