Personal experiences shared during Foster Care Month
A “powerful” message by a motivational speaker and author on the importance of making connections with children who have experienced trauma was highlighted in Parliament.
Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, shared the insights of Antonio Grate, who was the keynote speaker at an event marking Foster Care Month, which is observed throughout May.
Mr Grate spoke on the topic “Fostering Hope” at the Department of Child and Family Service’s Annual Foster Parents Appreciation Tea on Sunday.
The minister said: “Mr Grate shared his life story, growing up in Chicago, being in kinship and foster care and ageing out of the foster care system.
“He spoke about his mother’s addiction to drugs and not having his father in his life …
“Mr Grate stressed the vital role that kinship parents, foster parents and social workers play in the life of children in care.
“He reminded those present to always be cognisant of the trauma that the children they are caring for have gone through, through no fault of their own, and the importance of not giving up on them.”
Foster parents were gifted signed copies of Mr Grate’s book The Power of One, which outlines strategies to help at-risk youth, students and adults to “win inwardly first and then outwardly”.
The DCFS presented two Spotlight Awards at the event to Khabir and Melonie Dill, foster care parents, for the role they played in assisting a teen boy in a crisis situation.
Shlomo and Zipporah Yeshurun, another foster parent couple, received a formal salute from the DCFS for their 18-year commitment to their foster son.
Mr Grate also presented a professional development and practice enhancement session at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on Monday for staff within the DCFS, Family Court magistrates, police, therapists and other stakeholders.
Ms Furbert said: “This was a two-hour interactive and engaging message on the topic of ‘How Labels Can Negatively Impact Children Socially and Emotionally’.
“Mr Grate’s message moved all stakeholders.”
On Monday night, Mr Grate engaged with young adults at the Independent Living Programme for those who have aged out of DCFS care.
“The session was dynamic and very powerful, having someone talk about their lived experience, similar to our youth, which gave them hope,” Ms Furbert said.
During May, the Government’s social media platforms will be promoting foster parents and recruitment.
Up to about 12 foster parents are needed to fill gaps.
Ms Furbert also highlighted an interview that appeared in The Royal Gazette at the start of the month featuring Mabel Gonzalez and Sharon Hensdiek, foster parents who shared their experiences in the hope of inspiring others.
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