Vol. 2, No. 2 • Spring 1998

North Carolina's Foster Parents Organize Statewide Association
by Beth Morton, Secretary, NC Foster Parent Association

Over 150 enthusiastic foster and adoptive parents from across the state gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 31, 1998 to reorganize the statewide foster parent association. The group determined that the new North Carolina Foster Parent Association (NCFPA) should provide support, technical assistance, and information to foster and adoptive parents across the state. In addition, NCFPA will advocate for the needs of foster parents and children in North Carolina's foster care system. "We are very excited by the turnout today," said Michelle Hughes, Director of Public Action with the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute (NCCAI), a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the state's children. "Foster parents often are the best advocates for the children in the child welfare system, but they need support, training, and information to do their jobs well. The rejuvenated North Carolina Foster Parent Association will not only benefit foster parents, it will provide support and advocacy for children in our foster care system as well," Hughes said. North Carolina's original statewide foster parent association was first organized in 1975, but had been inactive for the three years prior to the January meeting. Reorganizing the Association has been the priority of a number of foster parents, many of whom are very active in their own local associations. "We need this statewide association," said Judy Callaway, a therapeutic foster parent in Wilkes County who coordinates education and training activities for her local association. "There are over 30 local foster parent associations in this state and its time to build more and bring them together. There's strength in numbers, and North Carolina's foster parents must work together for the best interests of children in foster care. This is for the kids." Callaway, along with several other foster parents from across the state, worked collaboratively with the NCCAI to plan the meeting. The day-long meeting in Charlotte featured a number of state and national speakers. Ken Fox, a therapeutic foster parent from Tennessee, and Helen Doughty, an Ohio foster parent, represented the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA) and offered the national association's support and encouragement. NFPA is committed to strengthening family foster care through nationally-focused legislative advocacy, training and education, publications, and networking among foster parents, state/local associations, and child welfare organizations. Fox and Doughty applauded the Charlotte group for their energy and initiative. Later in the morning, Rebecca Brigham of the North Carolina Division of Social Services addressed the group, stressing the Division's commitment to the reorganized NCFPA and sharing the new vision of the Division's Children's Services Section.

Foster parents take time to share experiences during a break in the action during January's meeting of the state foster parent association. Speaking on behalf of Kevin FitzGerald, Director of the Division of Social Services, Brigham said that the vision is "one single, stable foster care placement and a permanent home within one year for North Carolina children in foster care."She also pointed out that foster parents have an important role to play if this vision is to be achieved. Many nodded in agreement when Brigham referred to foster parents as "partners" with departments of social services in caring for children and moving them toward permanency. Everyone present during the Charlotte meeting contributed to the reorganization effort. They spent time contributing to the "vision" of the new Association and electing representatives from each of the four NCFPA regions to serve on the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee consists of 25 members from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic areas. "I'm happy to represent Western North Carolina in serving on the Executive Committee," said Tom Bristol, a foster parent from Asheville. "I'm eager to work with other committee members and make this association a vital resource for all foster parents in the state. We have our work cut out, but I'm confident we'll succeed. The North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute will continue to serve as the "communications center" for NCFPA until an office is established. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * NC Foster Parent Association Executive Committee Betty Branch, Mecklenburg Thomas Bristol, Buncombe Judy Callaway, Wilkes Ed Carver, Forsyth Brenda Crider, Iredell Carolyn Freeman, Onslow Dot Henry, Onslow Dorothy James, Guilford Jane Kanoy, Davidson Mary Malone, Onslow Bridget Martin, Cleveland David McGuire, Craven Ann Mitchell, Rowan Eva Moore, Pender Beth Morton, Chatham Mike Mosteller, Guilford Jodi Norman, Lincoln Sharon Parks, Davidson

Copyright � 2000 Jordan Institute for Families