New Hampshire Stories of the Heart 
A Collection of Family Centered Foster Care Stories
INTRODUCTION
The New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF)
has made a commitment to provide Family Centered Services to support
families and their children during times of crisis. We recognize
that all families have strengths as well as weaknesses and we
are dedicated to providing services while respecting the dignity
of the family. Family Centered Foster Care is an important part
of Family Centered Services. Family Centered Foster Parents provide
encouragement and role modeling for the parents of the child in
foster care.
The first issue of the "White Heron," one of the New
Hampshire foster parent newsletters, contained the following haiku
by an anonymous author:
"If the white heron
Had no voice,
It would be lost
In the falling snow."
It seemed appropriate to repeat it here, as foster parents and
other contributors begin to tell their "Stories of the Heart,"
that the voices of these special people not be lost, while recognizing
that many of the parents of children in foster care feel that
they, too, have no voice and are lost as well. Foster parents
can help these parents by remaining non-judgmental and by encouraging
them to practice parenting their children with consistency as
well as with love.
The stories that follow are the result of interviews carried out
among those New Hampshire foster parents and the other special
people who allowed me to witness a brief "bird's eye"
view of their life. Although their stories are unique, there are
many more stories out there which remain untold for the time being.
All of them demonstrate the intense degree of caring and investment
these families have in trying to make things better for the children
in their care and for their families.
Please note that the names of all children and other contributors
have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of
all concerned. The stories are true and have only been adjusted
to ensure confidentiality.
This opportunity has taught me many things and has reinforced,
for me, the value of Family Centered Foster Care and how very
hard our New Hampshire foster families work to provide it!
About Stories of the Heart...
Stories of the Heart was released during May 1994. Traditionally,
May is recognized nationally as Foster Care Month. It seemed fitting
to release "Stories" at a time when we honor foster
parents.
The collection was well-received. Requests for copies came from
individuals and many state agencies across the country and even
from Puerto Rico. Agencies have asked to use the collection as
a training tool for social workers, juvenile service workers,
police and judges. New Hampshire has agreed to allow the work
to be copied and used by non-profit groups, so long as nothing
is edited and New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth &
Families is credited.
Back to Stories of the Heart Contents Page.
Return to the Family Centered Foster Care Unit Home Page.
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