Apr 16, 2007 11:34 am US/Central
Cicero Group Provides Services For Foster Parents
by Jim Mullen
CICERO (CBS) ―
Becoming a foster parent is a big responsibility. And when a child has a disability, there's even more at stake.
CBS 2's Disabilities Reporter Jim Mullen has a story of dedication and support.
Veronica is proud of her son David, and the close relationship they have.
It began when Veronica became David's foster mother when he was a baby. Veronica says it was love at first sight.
"He looked over at me with those big eyes and I thought, 'Wow, he noticed me.' I said, 'I want that one,''" Veronica said.
A child becomes a foster child when the state removes him or her from the care of their biological parents and into a "substitute" home.
Cicero-based Seguin Services helps match foster parents with children who have disabilities.
Jim Haptonstahl said, "The children are in some way in the care of a parent who is not able to care properly for that child."
Seguin also provides extensive counseling and training on how to best deal with each child's physical and emotional needs.
David has cerebral palsy, autism and chronic asthma, so Veronica is trained in those areas.
"They go through crisis intervention training," Haptonstahl said. "We also ensure the foster parents are trained in CPR and first aid."
Seguin also provides support services, including nursing help, court advocacy and respite care, so foster parents can take care of their other children, too.
It even helped veronica make her home accessible.
Veronica adopted David two years ago. He's part of the family, in every way.
"He touched my heart, he made me realize that things out here are not always normal, but when they're abnormal and you have love, it doesn't make such a big difference, you know?" Veronica said.
Foster parents are paid a stipend, to help cover monthly expenses. Financial support continues if a child is adopted.
To learn more about foster care and Seguin Services, click here.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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