Calls on Community Members to Become Foster Parents
From Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston,
In recognition of National Adoption Month this November, Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston’s Therapeutic Foster Care program is raising awareness about the need for loving, supportive foster homes and encouraging community members to consider becoming foster parents.
Every child deserves a safe place to call home, caring adults who believe in them, and the opportunity to thrive. Foster parents play a vital role in providing stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to children and youth who cannot remain safely in their own homes. By opening their homes, foster families help children navigate challenging circumstances while working toward permanency and a brighter future.
“Becoming a foster parent is one meaningful way to make a lasting difference in a child’s life,” said Carrie Goddard, Therapeutic Foster Care Program Manager for Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston. “You don’t have to have all the answers or be a perfect parent. You need a willingness to learn, a commitment to provide a safe and supportive environment, and a desire to help children feel valued and cared for. We are here to guide families throughout the process.”
As a voluntary foster care agency, CCSL works in partnership with children, families, foster parents, and community providers to support children’s well-being and help families move toward positive outcomes. The agency provides guidance, training, ongoing support, and a financial stipend to help foster parents understand their role, feel confident and provide for the children placed in their homes.
“The CCSL Therapeutic Foster Care Program is a source of immense pride for us,” says Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston Executive Director, Wendy Recktenwald. “We provide safe sanctuaries offering children an immediate secure home for them to learn, to trust and to be immersed in healthy habits through reliable structure and mentorship. Our TFC team is present, caring, and helps to foster long-term positive outcomes like better mental health, and educational attainment. We need more foster homes to provide more services for children who need us most.”
Currently, the Therapeutic Foster Care program has 18 beds available for children. Even with this capacity, it is anticipated CCSL will have to turn away at least 50 children in our community each year because an appropriate placement is not available. This gap underscores the urgent need for more foster homes so that children can receive the safe, supportive care they deserve.
There is a need for more foster homes in our community. Individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds may be eligible to become foster parents. Whether someone is single or married, rents or owns a home, has parenting experience or is new to parenting, the first step is learning about the requirements and the support available.
“My children are the absolute light of my life. I am humbled and honored to be the adoptive mom of five amazing children. I do believe adoption gives children the permanence they need to feel secure so they can focus on who they are and how they fit into this world.
I am also proud to be a partner with Catholic Charities. I have always felt supported and listened to. They take my needs seriously and try to find solutions as soon as possible. I feel the case workers care about the children, the biological family, and the foster family and do their best to help everyone communicate to do what is best for the kids.” Vanessa Reed – Catholic Charities Foster Mother.
During National Adoption Month, Catholic Charities invites community members interested in becoming foster parents or learning more about the process to contact Catholic Charities Home Finder at 607-968-4706, or email homefinder@dor.org. No commitment is required to begin a conversation and explore whether fostering may be the right fit.
Together, we can strengthen families, support children, and build a community where every child can feel safe, supported, and hopeful about the future.
About Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston
Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston is an organization under the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, providing compassionate human services that strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout Steuben and Livingston counties. Guided by Catholic values and a commitment to serving all people regardless of faith, Catholic Charities offers programs that address hunger, housing, family support, emergency assistance, and other critical community needs.
