State Rep. Ford Hosts Press Conference on Foster Care
CHICAGO, IL –Illinois State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago and Breaking Bread Group to Advance Foster Care hosted a press conference in the blue room of the Thompson Center, commencing an effort to increase male participation in the state’s foster care system.
“There’s a serious lack in men who become foster parents in our state, so we’re calling on all of the good men to get involved and really make a difference,” said Ford. “We have to understand that a father figure plays such a significant role in a child’s life, teaching them lessons that can only be taught from a male perspective. It’s vital for children to have that kind of figure in their lives.”
“As an adopted person I am in full support of people with good will extending their home and love to help make a difference in the life of someone in need of a family,” said Ford. “I am grateful that my grandmother made many sacrifices to put my life on the right path and allow me a chance to be successful in life. The state can’t raise children and the need to have qualified families extend their homes is beneficial to the state and the child.”
Ford and Breaking Bread Group to Advance Foster Care announced that they are initiating a campaign to push for 200 men to become foster parents in Illinois. They will be joined by the Department of Children and Family Services and the Illinois Center for Adoption and Permanency, who will present portraits from their renowned Heart Gallery to move the effort forward.
