Annual Foster Parent Appreciation Banquet held in Hillsborough County

October 25, 2017

Several child welfare agencies came together in Tampa to host their annual semi-formal Foster Parent Appreciation Banquet. The event was held Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Embassy Suites: 3705 Spectrum Blvd. Tampa from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Around the country, there are thousands of children in the foster care system who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These children need loving homes and foster parents who can meet their unique needs.

The event was an opportunity to showcase many foster families in the community. Circuit judges, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office were all in attendance.

Eckerd Connects held the banquet in partnership with A Door of Hope, Camelot Community Care, Children’s Home Network, Families First of Florida, Family Enrichment Center, Florida Baptist Children’s Home, Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, LifeShare, West Florida Foster Care Services & H.E.A.D.S.

According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families in a data reporting system called Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) – as of Sept 2015 there were 427,910 children in foster care nationwide. According to DCF there were 22,635 children in foster care as of Nov 2015.

Eckerd Connects hosted the special evening for those Foster Families who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need.

To learn more about how you become a foster parent, click here.
For video of the event go to the Eckerd Connects Official Facebook page posted on October 16, 2017.