Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839 |
First Lady Walker: Recognizes 2018 Governor’s Foster Care Award recipients |
MADISON – First Lady Tonette Walker joined the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Eloise Anderson today to help recognize six foster families, a foster youth, and numerous foster care advocates as recipients of the 2018 Governor’s Foster Care Award at the State Capitol.
“Foster families are more than foster families, they’re forever families,” said First Lady Walker. “Research tells us that kids who have at least one caring and supportive adult in their lives are better able to bounce back when times get tough. Foster families have the power to help young people who face overwhelming stress. The relationships these families form have the power to change lifelong outcomes. Unfortunately, like other states across the country, Wisconsin is facing a shortage of foster families due to the opioid crisis. Today is a day to honor all the foster families who step up to help heal kids, families, and communities and to encourage others to consider becoming a hero to children in need of a safe landing place. “ The Governor’s Foster Care Awards are given out annually to honor outstanding members of Wisconsin’s foster care community in recognition of Foster Care Month across Wisconsin. A copy of Governor Scott Walker’s Foster Care Month proclamation is here.
The ceremony today also highlighted the nearly 8,000 foster youth throughout Wisconsin and the ongoing need for more foster families to offer care and support as they navigate this difficult period of childhood. For more information on becoming a foster parent, visit https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/ |