SOCIAL SERVICES HONORS WORK OF FOSTER PARENTS
Resource Family of the Year recognized
Riverside, CA- More than 50 families were invited to take part in a movie-themed awards dinner to honor local foster parents throughout Riverside County. The Resource Family Appreciation Banquet was held Friday, May 11, 2018 at Harvest Church in Riverside. With a theme of “A Night to Remember” foster families were treated to dinner, movie tickets and gift baskets.
Zakiyyah Lateef was honored that evening and awarded a certificate of recognition from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors as the 2018 Resource Family of the Year. Ms. Lateef has been a foster parent more than 20 years. She was nominated for this prestigious honor by social workers because of her dedication and commitment to children.
“The partnership that we have with Resource Families is a key element to keeping children safe and families thriving,” said Dr. Marie Brown-Mercadel, Assistant Director Children’s Services Division. “We appreciate the daily contributions that each of our foster parents make.”
Department of Public Social Services Director Susan von Zabern thanked the families for attending and offered heartfelt appreciation to foster parents who open their hearts and homes to children who need their love, security, encouragement, healing and guidance.
The evening also included a presentation on the Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI), an approach to strengthening foster care by refocusing on skilled, nurturing parenting while helping children maintain connections with their family.
“We appreciate the love and dedication to children from our resource families and their commitment to strengthening the whole family and not just the child,” said Teri Badia, Deputy Director Children’s Services Division.
Riverside County foster parents devote countless hours to help ensure that the children in their care have a safe and nurturing environment. Recruitment of new foster parents is an ongoing need. For more information, visit:
