Ashley, one of our Child Placement Managers, recently shared a touching experience she had with one of her foster placements.
“I will never forget the day Mrs. Hansen walked into the office – it was dark and rainy out and she was soaked. I couldn’t distinguish tears from rain, but I knew there were many tears! At the time, The Hansens were licensed foster parents with the local DSS (Department of Social Services), set to adopt 3 siblings. According to her, DSS took the kids for a “sleep over” and she never saw those babies again. To this day, she prays and worries about them.
Later, she spotted the Easterseals UCP sign and decided it was time to transfer to a different foster care agency…and that’s exactly what happened. The day after finalizing their foster care license, Mr. Hansen was home alone. The phone rings and when he answered, we told him that an emergency placement was needed that night for two siblings. He immediately said yes!
The kids were dropped off to the Hansen’s home after being removed from their family a third time for neglect. They had been sleeping on a floor filled with holes and rodents. They didn’t have enough to eat and also lacked emotional support.
The Hansen’s knew they could offer these kids safety, love and stability. However, the children were terrified at entering a new home. To help get to know each other, the Hansens planned a fun trip but this triggered the kids with memories of a previous “road trip” when they were still with their family that resulted in abuse. The Hansens understood their concern and lovingly explained to the kids that they were going to Tennessee for a family vacation and promised that they would never be abused again. This was the beginning of a long, tumultuous, scary, dedicated and happily-ever-after for this family.
While in their care, one of the kids was able to be taken off all his medications and both children received scholarships to attend private school. In addition, there have been many family vacations, birthday parties, hugs, tears and unconditional love! After three years, the Hansens officially adopted the siblings and gave the children a safe, forever home. The Hansens continue to foster and currently have more foster kids in their home.
The Hansens are a great example of how Easterseals UCP foster parents are positively changing the lives of kids forever. My role as a Child Placement Manager can be challenging because the need for foster parents is so great. But most days, it’s also very rewarding because through our program, we are able to help kids find the love and the stability they need.”
Please consider becoming a foster parent. We host free Zoom info sessions on the first and third Tuesday of the month. All are welcomed to join to meet our team and ask questions. To learn more, visit https://eastersealsucp.com/become-a-foster-parent.
ABOUT EASTERSEALS UCP
Easterseals UCP and PORT Health are trustworthy, compassionate partners providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsucp.com.
