Playland Hosts Westchester County Family Fun Day for Foster Families

RYE, NY — Foster families received the VIP treatment at Playland as a thank you and a chance to connect.

The Westchester County Department of Social Services held its annual Family Fun Day for Foster Families on August 19 at Playland Park in Rye.

Each year, Westchester County organizes and invites more than 500 foster parents and children to participate in a free day in Playland Park to honor and show appreciation for the adults who have become certified foster homes. This yea,r 300 people attended the event.

The DSS said the goal was to provide an enjoyable, carefree, family bonding experience. Attendees were given t-shirts, a wristband to enter the park and enjoy the rides, free parking, as well as a catered picnic lunch at the pavilion along the Long Island Sound.

In addition to DSS staff, Mother Nature lent a hand as well. It was a beautiful, sunny day as the the department greeted the families.

"Foster children represent all ethnic groups from infants through teenagers," Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. "Some children have handicap conditions and need special care. We are so grateful to all the parents who open their hearts and commit to providing a safe and stable home to these vulnerable children. We are happy to provide a special day to celebrate and show our thanks."

There are approximately 200 foster families who are part of Westchester’s foster parent network who provide temporary homes for brothers and sisters being placed together, for medically fragile children, for babies/toddlers, and for children 10 years and older, according to the county agency.

"This is the first year we were able to hold Family Fun Day since COVID, and we were so excited to see our families in person as well as the smiling faces as they check-in at the registration desk," Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Leonard Townes said. "It takes a special person to go through all the training and fill out the paperwork necessary to take in a child and we don’t take that for granted."

Townes said the DSS welcome inquiries from adults of all backgrounds, ages, income levels, and marital status. There is a screening process, mandated requirements, and training provided.

Becoming a foster family is a big commitment, but the agency asks that those who are interested consider learning more. There are 1 of 3 simple options for getting the ball rolling — fill out a short form, attend a weekly virtual info session on any Thursday from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. or call Yamilet Lopez at (914) 336-0076 for more information.

"We take being a foster parent very seriously because these children are precious gifts," foster parents Sharell and Joshua Thompson explained, "They’re a great blessing to have in the home and they need love and care. As for the training—you’ll have counselors, caseworkers etc, to help guide you through the process, what to do, and what not to do."

About Westchester County Office of Family and Children's Services

The Westchester County Office of Family and Children's Services is responsible for overseeing a wide range of programs and services for at-risk families and children. The aim of the department is to keep families together whenever possible within the community, to help the family survive as a unit, and to promote normal development and growth. The goal for every child is a legally permanent home that gives a child a sense of safety, security, and the opportunity to form healthy attachments to adults and a sense of belonging in a family. The office receives assistance from and collaborates with the court and legal networks, advocacy groups, home care providers, and other agencies to achieve these ends.