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Foster parent classes starting soon

By Joseph Abraham
Posted 12/27/22

SULLIVAN COUNTY –– Have you ever thought of becoming a foster parent? If so, the Sullivan County Department of Social Services is beginning their next round of foster parent certification …

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Foster parent classes starting soon

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SULLIVAN COUNTY –– Have you ever thought of becoming a foster parent? If so, the Sullivan County Department of Social Services is beginning their next round of foster parent certification classes on January 5.

Currently, they are looking for homes able and willing to foster kids ages 8 to 18 as this is a “huge need,” reports Alyssa Wowk, contracted Sullivan County Homefinder.

Back in May, as part of a feature on National Foster Care Month, the Democrat reported that in July 2020, the County had 138 kids in foster care, the highest number in its history.

Furthermore, County officials added that a few years ago they realized they needed to build up the pool of foster homes in the area. Therefore they contracted with the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference (CHOWC) to recruit potential foster parents, run and promote training, etc.

Moreover, they said that with the help of CHOWC, they’ve doubled the number of foster homes in the area since that point.

However, the need for more homes remain. Currently the County has 60 foster homes and 103 kids in their care at this time. Also, there are 15 teens who are currently in group homes looking to be stepped down into foster homes that can meet their needs.

In addition to the classes beginning in January, the Sullivan County Department of Social Services will have another foster parent certification class starting March 23, which is for anyone willing and able to foster kids fromages 0 to 21.

Classes are Thursday nights from 6-9 p.m. at the Robert B. Travis Social Services Building on the County’s Liberty campus, for nine weeks.

If you’re interested in signing up for classes or learning more info, contact Wowk at 845-292-0100 ext. 2396 or by email at awowk@chowc.org.

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