National Foster Care Month Observed By Catholic Social Services ...

Observance highlights needs of children and youth?

National Foster Care Month, celebrated in May, draws public attention to the year-round needs of children and youth who are not living at home because of various issues that may arise within their birth families.

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton is a licensed foster care and adoption agency in Pennsylvania, and has been responding to community needs of Northeastern Pennsylvania since the 1920s. The agency traces its roots back to the founding of St. Patrick?s Orphanage in Scranton in 1877.

Foster care services facilitated by Catholic Social Services are directly related to its mission of service and the need for stable, nurturing homes for this vulnerable population. The agency places a high value on providing quality care and service to both children in need and the families who open their hearts and homes in responding to this need.

According to Neil Oberto, director of adoption and foster care services for Catholic Social Services, there are more than 17,000 children in foster care in Pennsylvania on a daily basis. Nearly half of these children are over the age of 10.

?With guidance and support from caring individuals, children and youth in foster care are capable of realizing their fullest potential,? he said. ?They are able to experience security, love and the ability to develop emotional stability. Foster care provides the link to permanency that all children and youth deserve.?

Mr. Oberto cited a need for families who would be willing to consider short-term or respite care, or more long-term homes. Extensive training and support is provided to the families. The agency is especially seeking families committed to caring for children ages 8 to 18, sibling groups of two or more, and for children with medical and or mental health needs.

?Foster parenting is a significant and rewarding opportunity that helps shape brighter futures. Foster parents are unique and special individuals whose desire is to help children in need. All children need love and patience,? he said.

In observance of National Foster Care Month, Catholic Social Services is sponsoring and participating in several events that recognize families who respond to this call of service and at the same time focus on the need for more families willing to open their hearts and homes.

On May 6, the Hazleton Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians sponsored a concert by the ?Irish Lads.? Proceeds from this event will support social activities for children in the foster care program.

On May 10, Catholic Social Services conducted a recognition program and training session for foster and adoptive families in Luzerne County. This event will be held again this Sunday, May 20, at St. Paul of the Cross Center in Scranton from 2-4 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to meet with several agencies from Northeastern Pennsylvania to discuss the adoption process and obtain information on potential children available for adoption.

On May 21, an orientation/open house will be held at the Greater Hazleton office of Catholic Social Services from 6-7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and questions families have about foster parenting or adopting will be answered.

Last Sunday, Catholic Social Services co-sponsored the Mother?s Day Adoption Mass at St. Peter?s Cathedral.

To register for any of these events or for more information, call Catholic Social Services at 1-800-465-0578.?

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