Connecticut Governor Encourages More Families to Adopt or Become Foster Parents

May 1, 2007 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today joined with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents (CAFAP) to announce National Foster Care Month with a new radio campaign to recruit families and mentors for children in need.

“Connecticut’s foster parents, adoptive parents and mentors set examples for us all,” Governor Rell said. “Nothing in life is as important – or as rewarding – as making a difference in the life of a child. What these men and women do is so important – and we need more people like them to step forward. I would like nothing better than to be able to say there are no longer hundreds of children in Connecticut who need loving families of their own or a mentor to help them learn life lessons.”

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At a ceremony at the Legislative Office Building honoring 19 selected foster parents from around Connecticut, DCF and CAFAP previewed the “Help a Child Shine” campaign, which uses radio ads featuring real families and children as well as public service announcements by Governor Rell. The campaign, developed by the Connecticut Radio Network, also includes a new Web site, print advertising and community events.

CAFAP Executive Director Jean Fiorito said Connecticut foster and adoptive parents consistently exceed all expectations. The 19 honorees recognized Tuesday are truly special, she said.

“They are the best of the best,” Fiorito said. “No sacrifice is too great for these parents – they are inspirations for us all.”

Stacey Gerber, DCF’s Director of Foster Care Services, said real families are the most effective voice regarding the rewards of fostering, adopting or mentoring a child. That is why their voices are so important to the new campaign, she said.

“People who give to children get a lot in return,” Gerber said. “We really liked the theme of ‘Help a Child Shine’ because it speaks to the great satisfaction that foster parents derive from making an important contribution to a child’s life.”

In preparing for the campaign, DCF commissioned the University of Connecticut to find out why foster parents chose to help children in state care and whether they are satisfied with their experiences. The UConn survey of 401 foster parents reported that:

• 87 percent said their foster parenting experience was very favorable or somewhat favorable

• 79 percent said they have a very or somewhat favorable opinion of the foster care system in Connecticut

• 79 percent strongly or somewhat agreed that the state provides adequate support services

• 90 percent strongly or somewhat agreed that the state provides adequate training for foster parents

• 80 percent said that the overall process of becoming a foster parent was excellent or good

The survey also found that people become foster parents for the following reasons:

• 92 percent said making a difference in the life of a child was a very important reason

• 88 percent said their love for children was a very important reason

• 81 percent said giving back to the community was a very important or somewhat important reason

• 97 percent said giving children a safe and loving home was a very important reason

DCF Acting Commissioner Brian E. Mattiello said the survey contains good news for Connecticut.

“The findings show that we can be proud of the foster care system in Connecticut,” Commissioner Mattiello said. “And, most of all, we can be proud of our foster parents.”

For information about fostering, adopting or mentoring a child, please go to the recruitment campaign’s new website at www.helpachildshine.com or call 1-888-KID-HERO.

There are about 3,500 licensed foster homes in Connecticut that provide care to approximately 4,400 children in foster and relative care. In addition, 498 children were adopted and another 308 children achieved permanency through a transfer of guardianship to a relative in Fiscal Year 2006. There are 259 mentors available for children in state care and another 26 mentors for children committed to DCF as delinquent.

About Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents

Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening Foster and Adoptive Families and Relative Caregivers through support, training, and advocacy with the aim of nurturing child safety, well-being and stability in partnership with child welfare professionals and the entire community.

Source: Connecticut Governor