Foster parent recruitment initiative planned

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks launched a new foster parent recruitment initiative for Monroe County. Brooks unveiled a new interactive kiosk that will be used as an information center for potential foster parents in our community. The kiosk will be located at various locations throughout the county this year. The new initiative also includes public information sessions to be held throughout the year for individuals interested in learning more about foster parenting.

The kiosk provides interactive information, in a touch screen format, on what it's like to be a foster parent, the personal benefits and rewards, qualifications and requirements for raising foster children and firsthand experiences from current foster parents.

In addition to the new kiosk, Monroe County is expanding its community outreach efforts and will be holding information sessions throughout the year for interested individuals. Sessions run from 7 to 8 p.m. and will be held in this area on: March 15 at the Ogden Farmers' Library, 269 Ogden Center Road; April 7 at the Chili Public Library, 3333 Chili Avenue and May 3 at the Seymour Public Library, 161 East Avenue, Brockport.

Foster parents must be 21 years old and in good health, can be married or single, can rent or own a home and most important, have the desire to make a positive impact in the life of a child.

To reserve space at one of the public information sessions, or to schedule a session at a local company or organization, call the Department of Human Services at 274-6522.