By Heather Hall, Recruitment and Retention Program Specialist, NH DCYF Foster Care Program
Our beautiful New England fall has ushered in the season of Thanksgiving. This is a time of reflection, gratitude, and hope for the new year. As the Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Foster Care Program reflects on New Hampshire children and families we’ve supported throughout 2023, we are incredibly grateful for our foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers. Their selfless commitment to the children in their care is awe-inspiring.
We recently came together for the 2023 DCYF Caregiver Conference in Manchester, welcoming over 300 caregivers to a full day of education, connection, and appreciation. While a single event cannot fully express how thankful we are for our caregivers, we hope that it was felt in every detail of the day.
Nearly 20 community partners joined us to provide conference attendees with resources and information, including NAMI New Hampshire and other members of the New Hampshire Children’s System of Care. As New Hampshire’s statewide “village,” their dedication to our caregiver families was on full display throughout the busy day. They interacted with other community partners, met DCYF staff, and most importantly, connected with our caregivers to provide them with additional tools to support them in their foster care journeys. We are very grateful for their commitment, tireless work, and partnership as we work together to serve New Hampshire children and families.
To learn more about New Hampshire Foster Care and how you can become part of this dedicated community, please visit us at www.dhhs.nh.gov/fostercare. Happy Thanksgiving!
