Community-Based: Foster Family Support
Abused and neglected children across Pennsylvania need caring foster families. Unfortunately, the demand for foster parents usually exceeds the supply, so children needing individual foster placements are often placed in group homes or temporary shelters. To assist Children and Youth Agencies across the Commonwealth in recruiting and retaining the precious resources that are foster parents, The Second Mile developed the Foster Family Support Program, which provides recreational activities for these families, recognizes the contributions of the foster parents, and develops tools for the recruitment of new foster parents.
Recreation
The Second Mile partners with Pennsylvania businesses - amusement parks, theatres, minor league teams, and other entertainment venues and their suppliers - to provide recreational opportunities for foster children and their families. What better service than to offer a time of smiles and laughter to youngsters who have experienced the trauma of separation from a birth family unable or unwilling to care for them? What better support than to provide foster parents the opportunity to share with each other the problems and pleasures unique to foster parenting? For many of these foster children, The Second Mile Foster Family event is a first-time experience, and for many foster parents, this business-Second Mile collaboration makes possible what would be otherwise unaffordable. These events are designed to be a moment of joy in the lives of these special children. As one foster parent wrote, "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Our day at the amusement park was the highlight of our year."
Recognition
Providing a safe and loving home for children, especially during a time of crisis within their own families, is difficult work. Children often arrive confused, sad, scared, and sometimes unfamiliar with how to live in a functional family. Foster parents accept the challenge of opening their homes to such youngsters and themselves to the hope and heartache of watching them return to their families after stability has been achieved. It's an emotional roller coaster that few are willing to ride. To thank foster parents for taking that ride on behalf of children, The Second Mile joins with businesses to recognize foster parents reaching service milestones. Most often, this recognition includes a special "night for two," as area restaurants provide these caring individuals with an evening to "get away" from parenting for a moment and enjoy a quiet dinner together.
Recruiting
To provide more needy children with the opportunity to experience family life in a safe and stable home, The Second Mile produces and provides public service announcements to Children & Youth Agencies at no cost to solicit additional foster parents.
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