Nancy Downes of Denton was recently honored as the Caroline County Foster Parent of the Year.  Downes, who works as a teacher’s assistant for preschoolers with Head Start in Greensboro, has always loved children.  She began babysitting at age 10 and says she has been blessed with patience.

Although she has four of her own children and four grandchildren, the youngest having just finished high school, she became licensed to provide foster and respite care.  The respite program is designed to provide foster parents planned breaks or “respite” as a preventative measure against placement disruption.  For the last year, Downes has provided foster care for two eight-year old twin boys.

She comments, “At their age, these boys were self-sufficient and just need guidance – an extra hand up.”  She adds, “It’s not their fault they are in this situation and I like knowing that I am helping them.”

Robin Bigelow, Caroline County’s Foster Care coordinator, comments, “In the short time that Nancy has been a licensed resource home, she has demonstrated as much knowledge and expertise as a more seasoned foster parent.  She has readily stepped up as a team player by taking the lead in the care of the boys in her care.  She is quick to recognize health and behavior problems and seeks the appropriate professionals to treat the twins.”

Because of people like Nancy Downes, Caroline County does not currently have any teens placed in group homes – all are placed in foster homes throughout the county.

For further information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Caroline County, contact the Caroline County Department of Social Services at (410) 819-4500.  An information session will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2010 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the at the Talbot County Department of Social Services office at 301 Bay Street, Unit #5 in Easton.