Foster Parents Recognized In Loudoun County

ASHBURN, VA—Loudoun County's foster parent program supports 60 kids ranging in age from birth to 21, and two parents recently were honored by the Department of Family Services. Namely, the Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation honoring Lamont and Lillian Ford of Ashburn as the county's Foster Parents of the Year—an honor also bestowed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. To wit:

COG partners with local and state child welfare agencies from 10 jurisdictions in the region to recognize outstanding parents on an annual basis. COG cited the Fords for providing their foster youth connections to their biological families and investing their time into attending meetings and advocating for all the foster youth who have lived with them.

Per the COG citation: "While they have had struggles, like many families who foster teens, they don't give up and keep pushing for what is best for the child." The Fords most recently agreed to foster a 17-year-old who eventually became part of their forever family.

Said Loudoun County Department of Family Services director Glenda Blake in a release: "The parents in our foster care program continue to demonstrate unwavering patience, understanding, and compassion for the youth in our community. Foster parenting is a commitment unlike any other and we are so incredibly proud and thankful to each and every one of our foster parents for supporting and nurturing our youth."

Click here to find out more about foster parenting and how to become a foster parent.