May proclaimed Foster Care Month

Published on May 03, 2021

In recognition and appreciation of Weld County foster and kinship caregivers, community organizations and child welfare professionals, May has been proclaimed Foster Care Month by the Weld County Board of Commissioners.

“I appreciate your passion for being foster parents and the work the Department of Human Services (DHS) does to support these families,” said Commissioner Perry Buck, Coordinator for DHS. “Thank you to the entire team for helping our youth. Our children deserve every opportunity to help them succeed in life.”

This month is a special time to acknowledge the incredible commitment of local foster and kinship families who have opened their hearts and homes to the 436 infants, children and youth currently in county foster and kinship care. It’s also a time to show gratitude to the dedicated child welfare professionals who are available and called on 24/7 to support the county’s most vulnerable children, youth and families.

At Monday’s board meeting, the Weld County child welfare staff and foster parents in attendance received a round of applause in celebration of their work in building stronger communities and improving the lives of children, youth and families by tirelessly providing advocacy, nurturing and steadfast care.

“Our 79 certified foster families are such a huge blessing to our community,” said Jamie Ulrich, Director of the Department of Human Services. “This is our opportunity to recognize and share the great partnerships we have within the community. We greatly appreciate the families that provide safe and secure homes for these kids. We also want to recognize the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic – it’s been a truly challenging time between the shutdowns, school closures and not having in-person visits. But we are a stronger, more resilient foster care family because of the work everyone has done in our community this past year and every year.”

The Weld County Department of Human Services offers two Foster Care Welcome Nights every month for families and individuals who are interested in learning more about foster care, the certification process and other ways to help children, youth and families in need. Visit weldgov.com/go/fostercare or the Weld County Government Facebook page for more information.