Foster, adoptive parents thanked
Hamilton County invites new recruits
McGurk, Margaret. Cincinnati Enquirer, May 17, 2007, pg. B1.
Public servants aplenty showed up at Krohn Conservatory to salute Hamilton County foster families Wednesday.
As far as the kids were concerned, the only visitor that mattered was Reds mascot Gapper.
He hugged and high-fived and posed for pictures while county commissioners chatted with parents and social workers at "Butterflies and Blue Ribbons," an Eden Park event honoring foster and adoptive parents.
Among them was Jane Barnes of Colerain Township, who came with her 2-year-old adopted daughter, Carmen.
Her little girl was only 2 days old when she arrived at Barnes' home as a foster child. Barnes, who operates a medical transportation service for wheelchair users, said she was prepared for a child with physical or emotional scars to heal.
"I was very lucky to have Carmen, who is very healthy and has no history (of abuse)."
She is so pleased with her decision - as are her parents and her 23-year-old son - that she might do it again.
"Actually, I would like to adopt a second (child). Her brother is a little old to grow up with."
The Faulkner family of Hamilton has nine children now, a mix of relatives and adoptees who arrived as foster children.
Pat Faulkner said she was drawn to foster care, "because my childhood wasn't very pleasant. I have an understanding of what you need to do for children in the situation I grew up in."
Jim Mason, president and CEO of Beech Acres family services agency, took the podium to tell the foster and adoptive parents, "You are doing God's work. You are the saints."
He urged everyone in his audience to call a few friends and invite them to at least investigate fostering a child. "Tell your story of hope. Tell your story of making a difference in the life of a child."
The Faulkners said it is easy for them to find potential recruits. "People approach us all the time," said Pat.
