By Pat Lawrence
Patty Clark |
Through all the interviews and assessments, Patty Clark looks for
people who will put their heart into their work. She says it’s
the one essential qualification necessary for being a foster parent
and it isn’t something that is measured in a questionnaire.
As the West Virginia State Administrator for Braley & Thompson,
a private placement agency established in 1979, Patty Clark has been
finding homes for kids for the past 13 years. Requirements are tougher
for foster parents than natural parents, Patty says, “Foster
parents can be single or married but, they must be 21 and never convicted
of a felony. They must have space in their home for each child to
have their own room and space in their life for each child to be welcome,
safe and loved.” Since children placed in foster homes are in
state custody, “There is screening and paperwork, policies and
rules. There can be uncomfortable honesty and unexpected responses.
But, successful parents aren’t the ones with all the right answers
or the most money or the most education. Successful parents are the
ones who put their heart into it, every day.”
She says the traditional family unit is evolving, and placement policies
reflect the changes. “The foster parent may be a single woman
or, the primary caregiver may be Dad or, both parents may work. If
it’s a good match and provisions are made for after school care
or approved help- that can be a good home. We want every child to
get the permanent family they need and deserve.”
Braley & Thompson receives 15-20 referrals each month. Many of
the children referred to them are adolescents. Patty says, “It’s
easy to place very young ones. But not many people are willing to
take kids twelve and older. There’s a wrong idea that children
in foster care are troubled, hardened or delinquent. There are more
youth in foster care that are hardworking, dedicated and determined
to become productive and successful. They just want to finish high
school and get a job, or go on to college, and raise children of their
own.” Because of their situation, foster children are eligible
for college financial assistance. Foster parents receive some financial
compensation for their expense while the children are in their home.
Every consideration is given to the foster parent’s interests
and expectations as well as the children’s. Prospective parents
are asked age and gender preferences, then given a list of every possible
behavior exhibited by children and asked if it’s something they
can tolerate. “It isn’t fair to ask anyone to take on
more than they can handle or to accept anything that makes them uncomfortable.”
Parents are never left to just fend for themselves, either, Patty
says. “We provide initial training, monthly training, and information
on special topics. Parents learn how to work with school system, how
to handle an angry child and how to give sensible, positive discipline.
They’re instructed in crisis intervention, first aid and CPR.
Families are visited weekly and we’re on call 24 hours a day.
Every child has a ‘treatment plan’. We consider our foster
parents professionals. We give them the tools they need to do their
job and support them every way we can.”
Children may remain in their foster homes for weeks, months or until
they reach 18. Families sometimes ask to adopt children they have
fostered. Since foster children usually have siblings, usually more
than one child is involved. “We try to keep them together. We
want foster care life to be normal even though it is not a normal
situation.”
Patty says, “Anyone who wants to make a difference in the world
can start by making a difference in the life of a child. Anyone willing
to put their heart into giving a child a chance should call me.”
Braley & Thompson has offices in Parkersburg, St. Albans
and Huntington and will soon open an office in Fairmont. For more
information, contact Patty Clark, Parkersburg, WV 26101, (304) 422-9355
or Fax (304) 422-9359.
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