Many of us don’t know what fostering means, nor do we realize the responsibilities it entails. As an adoption Social Worker, my experience has always been focused on the process of adoption. It was through my experience with CRIBS’ Foster Care Social Worker that I eventually came to learn so much more about the deeper meaning of Fostering, and the responsibilities that go with it.

 

The deep fulfillment comes from the experience that fostering can be profound beyond words.

 

By definition, Fostering is planned alternative parental care. Fostering though, goes beyond alternative parental care. It is the experience of a family extending unconditional love to children who are not their own. This is the most essential ingredient in raising a child for his optimal growth.

 

Meeting the Picones family gave me a chance to learn first-hand about the importance of Fostering. According to them, they had no knowledge of, nor experience in fostering, prior to 2003. it was through their family friends, Mrs. Patricia Dancel (FCAP president) that they were made aware of its importance. Mrs. Dancel suggested that Mr. and Mrs. Picones transfer their focus  from raising puppies to fostering a child. This was how they were introduced to fostering.

 

Mrs. Picones was better able to appreciate the importance of foster care, through her experience with other foster care families who were present at the foster care seminars, meetings and outings that she attended. This appreciation led her family to the decision to foster a child. They contacted CRIBS, in order to apply for a license as a foster family. Mr. and Mrs. Picones received their license after a few months and excitedly accepted a child in their home. They laugh about the fact that before a child came into their lives, it was puppies that they cared for. Now they were caring for a foster child, a human being with flesh and soul- a gift and a blessing.

 

Three month old Lar was heartily accepted and welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Picones and their family, after his discharge from CRIBS. According to them, Lar was responsible for re-establishing their family’s bond. Prior to Lar’s arrival, their children would go about their routines, forgetting valuable family time. Change happened when Lar came into their lives.  The children found a reason to come home earlier to enjoy the family atmosphere. They would even bring home presents for Lar. Everyone spoiled their foster child, especially Arman Picones, who would give the child everything he asked for. The family enjoyed every moment with Lar in their midst, knowing that he would soon be fetched by his adoptive family.

 

According to Mr. and Mrs. Picones, the most difficult part of being a foster family is losing the child to his adoptive parents, after having become attached to him.

 

The family was heartbroken and felt empty after Lar left their home. Much as it was expected, the experience was still traumatic. Despite this, the family decided to foster again. First Dexter, then Ella Kim and Cheska succeeded Lar. They are now fostering Alyssa.

 

Even if she is now undergoing treatment for low back pain, Fe Picones continues to pursue her new passion: taking care of a foster child. Today, she gives her full time and attention to little Alyssa, in order for herto feel that she is loved.

 

Every child that has been fostered by the Picones family has felt nurtured and loved. Despite the fact that they are aware that their foster child’s stay in their home is only temporary, each child is cared for with great love and support, just as they would their own.

 

It is their devotion and commitment to extend their love and affection to every child in need of comfort and consolation that makes the Picones family very special.

                                                                                    

The Official Newsletter of CRIBS Foundation, Inc.

INFINITE FULFILLMENT

(Picones Family)

By: Ma. Myra E. Nasinopa, RSW