My family has fostered children for over 20 years. Throughout that time, the Middlesex County support network of FAFS has been there for us - providing training, support, and opportunities to meet with other families working with the child welfare system.

Our children have grown up attending FAFS events with us. My youngest, adopted at age 6 and now 20 years old, has made some of her closest friends at FAFS meetings. It has always been important to her to connect with other children and youth who understand what it is like to have been in foster care and who understand adoption.

At the state level, FAFS has offered assistance in interpreting DCP&P policies and practice as well as excellant training in many of the issues faced by children in out-of-home placement. I don't think we could have continued to foster for as long as we have without the support of this organization.

One Simpe Wish is a wonderfuil organization that connects folks who want to help children with the children in need. In our case, we are fostering a multiply handicapped and cortically blind young man with many developmental delays. OSW was able to provide him with a floor mat and play yard which gives him the freedom to roll on the floor without fear of hurting himself. This gives him the opportunity to spend time out of his wheelchair, increasing his mobility and strengthening his muscles.