As we all come together to recognize frontline workers during the CoViD-19 pandemic, we would like to highlight another group of heroes during this crisis: foster parents.
Foster parents provide safe, loving homes for vulnerable children in New York City. Now more than ever, we need their support and a local couple from the Bronx stepped up to answer the call to become foster parents.
Earlier this month the couple, whose privacy we will protect by calling them Jennifer and George, became first-time foster parents to a baby who had tested positive for CoViD-19. His name will also be protected by calling him Daniel.
Jennifer and George recently became licensed foster parents with Catholic Guardian Services. Shortly after completing the process, they received a call earlier this month concerning a baby who had tested positive for CoViD-19. Almost immediately, they decided that it was their responsibility to care for this baby, even temporarily, so that he would not have to remain in the hospital. The couple has always wanted to help a child in need, and knew this was their chance to make a difference.
Jennifer and George took great interest in Daniel’s wellbeing while he was in their home. They made sure to take him to follow up medical appointments and worked closely with the agency to ensure that the child’s mother was comforted in knowing that he was being well cared for.
Jennifer and George shared that during this new normal it has taught them that it is “possible to slow down” and that “everything can change in a second but that we can still help one another no matter what and no matter how far apart we are”.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please visit the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) website here or call the ACS WISH line at 877-676-WISH (9474).
