Becoming a foster parent is an opportunity to give back to a child who needs the security of a loving home
By Patricia Nugent
With an influx of nearly double the number of children coming into the Medina County foster care system over the past two years, demand is greater than ever to find temporary homes and families, according to Medina County Job and Family Services Supervisor Manager Sharon Holmes.
Helping Reunite Local Families
The demographics of people who can become foster parents in Medina County range widely.
“We have single people, couples who may not have been able to have their own children, families with biological children in the home, and even empty nesters who may be looking for more purpose in their retirement years,” says Sharon. “They come from all different income levels and walks of life. We match up the foster child or sibling children to the home environment for a good fit.”
The primary goal is reunification with the biological family. Sharon explains children visit with their parents each week while staying in foster care.
“During this time the biological parents are working to put into place what’s needed to provide a safe and stable home,” she says.
What’s Really Involved in Fostering?
Foster Parent Recruiter Layne Hedden and her husband have fostered nine children over the past seven years. Since she’s “been there and done that” through every step of the process, it’s helpful for her to be completely honest with the emotions and challenges involved in being a foster parent.
“The first thing prospective parents tell me is that they couldn’t possibly fit another child in their busy schedule,” she says. “When I first became a foster parent, my sons were 7, 9 and 11 and played sports and we were crazy busy. But it’s amazing and beautiful how your family adjusts.”
The second concern is becoming attached to a foster child, then having to say goodbye when they go back to their biological family.
“I never sugarcoat this—it’s bittersweet when they leave,” she says. “But it can also be incredibly joyful. There’s an unexplainable connection of love you will always share with this child. It’s rewarding to see this take place. Foster parenting is truly worthwhile.”
Anyone who thinks they may be interested in fostering shouldn’t let finances sway them. Sharon reports that foster parents receive medical cards and a stipend to cover food, clothing, daycare and after-school programs.
Blanketing Parents with Support
The agency has made its mission to provide ongoing support to anyone becoming a foster parent.
“The process begins with an online application,” says Layne. “We gather all the necessary documentation, like a photo ID and proof of insurance, which the applicant can upload.
Pending approval, the prospective parent goes through 24 hours of pre-service training. This can be done in a classroom setting twice a year over three consecutive Saturdays in March and October. They can also do the training virtually, or mix and match in-person with virtual, whichever the person prefers.”
After that, a foster care coordinator is assigned to do a home study, interviewing and evaluating everyone living in the home. They also do a safety audit of the environment. Once that’s completed, a person can be licensed as a foster parent.
“We see these folks as a community,” says Sharon. “We plan events and opportunities throughout the year. Our goal is for parents to know they are never alone.”
The agency also takes part in community events, such as summer picnics, virtual book clubs, fall festivals, churches and chamber of commerce activities.
Medina County Job and Family Services is located at 232 Northland Drive in Medina. Call 330-661-0800 and ask for Foster Parent Recruiter Layne Hedden or visit FosterMedina.com for more information.