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Highlands Today

Foster Parents Make A Huge Difference, But They Are Too Few

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

From left: John and Marianne Ash talk about the rewarding experiences they have had as foster parents.

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: February 22, 2008

SEBRING — Marianne and John Ash have had 43 children call them mom and dad in the past two and a half years.

They've ranged in age from 1 month to 16 years; some have stayed three nights and some stayed for a few years, but all of them have a special spot in the foster parents' hearts.

"It's hard to put into words the joy that comes from being a foster parent," Marianne said. "It's more of a feeling you get when you know you have made a difference in the life of a child."

The Ashes, who have three grown biological children and 11 grandchildren, were looking for opportunities to volunteer a few years ago. Both had been in protective services as children and wanted to give back, so they got involved with Heartland for Children, the lead agency for community-based care in the area.

"We wanted to do something where we could make a difference," John said. "Even if you touch them for one hour or only a few days, you still have an influence on their lives."

They treat the foster children just like their own, from giving them hugs and kisses to taking them on vacation. They also involve the children in the community, signing them up for dance or gymnastics classes.

"Many have no self esteem when they come here and when you see them up on a stage singing in a choir robe on Easter Sunday, it's an amazing feeling," Marianne said. "We really watch these kids come out of their shells. We see kids who have never been to school before go straight to the honor roll."

The Ashes admit it's difficult when the children, who they've become attached to, leave the foster home and return to live with their parents.

"You have to try not to be selfish in that situation," Marianne said. "Of course it's hard when they leave, but you know the children are going back home and they are going to be happy. It's a wonderful feeling to just know you have touched their lives and impacted them in some way."

The bunk beds with matching pink, quilted comforters don't stay empty for long, though.
Not only do the Ashes think their house is too quiet without children, Highlands County has a tremendous need for foster homes, which keeps their house full.

Highlands County currently has only 11 foster homes with 38 beds. When space is not available in the county, the children have to go to foster homes in Polk County.

"We prefer to keep the children in their own community because it's a much easier adjustment for the child," said Liz Cone, foster home recruiter.

Heartland for Children will have an information meeting at 6 p.m. March 4 at the Children's Advocacy Center for anyone interested in becoming a foster parent.

Foster parents participate in a 30-hour training program, plus a 15 hour behavior analyst class. A licensing representative also works with the family to complete necessary paperwork.

The training and application process typically takes four to six months.

Foster homes can house up to five children, including biological and foster children. Each child must have his or her own bed and a place to keep belongings.

Parents receive a board rate based on the child's age.
Children live in the foster home for up to 12 months, while the parents work through their case plan toward reunification.

To register for the information meeting or for more information, call 863-519-8900, ext. 289.

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