Memorandum   To:         Foster and Adoptive Parents                DCF Staff   From:    Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes   Date:     June 2, 2020     Re:     "Thank You" One More Time

National Foster Care Appreciation Month is over.  Our thanks to each and every one of you will not stop.

We all are grateful to the heroes - the essential workers in the healthcare field and others who are enabling the rest of us to stay safe at home -- Their sacrifices during the pandemic have not gone unnoticed.  We refer to you as "Heroes at Home" as foster parents open their homes to children at this most difficult time.  Because of you, children can truly Stay Safe at home.

To recognize the incredible contribution of our foster parents -- relative, kin therapeutic and core -- we worked with partners to create this video just for you: Heroes At Home

Typically, during Foster Care Appreciation Month, the Department hosts events to celebrate foster parents, but the current health crisis has disrupted many of these plans. Yet, we thought of you in many ways.

A local cheerleading team found a virtual way to support foster parents by wearing Blue shoelaces. See their video here: National Foster Care Month Empire

We asked our staff to wear Blue this past Friday in honor you! Please see our photo gallery with staff across Connecticut saying "Thank You" by wearing Blue: Foster Care Awareness Month 2020 - Wear Blue Photos

"Thank you" from those children are too young to articulate the words, or too uncertain about their futures to express the comfort they found in your home. "Thank you" from each child who may not remember your name but will take with them the kindness and compassion you showed from the moment you opened the door - and they came into your family.

"Thank you" from their biological parents who sometimes don't have the right words but are supported by knowing you are here to help and support, not replace them.

"It Takes a Village…." DCF APPRECIATES OUR VILAGE!