Provided by Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
Foster parents from 10 jurisdictions across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia have been named 2022 Foster Parents of the Year by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).
Since 2003, COG has been partnering with local and state child welfare agencies around the region to recognize exceptional foster parents on an annual basis. Child welfare workers strive to keep families together, but when that it not possible, foster families can provide the necessary support.
“Foster parents are essential in our communities’ continuum of care, ensuring that the youth in our region are safe and have their needs provided for,” said COG Board Chair and Arlington County Board Vice Chair Christian Dorsey. “Their willingness to open up their hearts but also their homes to these children is just beyond commendable.”
“It is our hope that these stories inspire other individuals and families to take the necessary steps to become foster parents,” said Erica Serrano, Arlington County Department of Human Services Outreach and Recruitment Specialist and Foster Care Advisory Committee Chair.
VIDEO: 2022 Foster Parents of the Year
Prince William County Foster Parents of the Year: Dan and Jean Ruehle
Dan and Jean Ruehle have been fostering since October 2014, opening their hearts and their home to long-term placements for several children ranging from school age to adults. The Ruehles are vigilant about keeping up their training hours and responding to requests from the department. They support the children’s extracurricular activities, reunification efforts, and demonstrate outstanding love and devotion to the children in their care.
