During Foster Parent Appreciation Month, two Montgomery County women were honored for their caring efforts.
Emma Patterson was praised by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich for her 33 years as a foster parent. The 88-year-old woman is ending her foster care work soon when the child currently in her care graduates high school.
She has cared for more than 30 children and was honored during a ceremony spearheaded by the Department of Health and was honored by the Maryland Department of Human Services as its Foster Parent of the Year in Montgomery County.
What an honor it was to meet Emma Patterson and recognize her for being a foster parent to dozens of children over the last 33 years. Every foster parent makes a difference and more are needed. Learn about foster parenting in @montgomerycomd herehttps://t.co/5K4zhucR59 pic.twitter.com/1B829SmLVk
— County Exec Marc Elrich (@MontCoExec) May 31, 2024
Also honored was Susan Otto of Olney. She was named Foster Parent of the Year in Montgomery County by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).
Otto has been a special education teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools for 27 years and currently is a clinician in its infants and toddlers program.
She is fostering two brothers and previously fostered a child for three years.
“From day one, Susan was a natural foster parent. As a career special educator, she is comfortable with behavior modification, setting boundaries, and helping children feel safe. Susan is flexible, loving, realistic, and gifted in her ability to address the special needs of our children,” according to the COG.
“She uses every opportunity to build skills with the boys, work on behaviors and manage the scars of trauma. Susan is also a wonderful resource to other foster parents and knows how to obtain the support and information that she needs,” COG noted when announcing her honor.
Elrich is a foster parent for two individuals with developmental disabilities.
Child welfare agencies strive to keep families together. Foster parents provide essential support to families when that is not possible. Foster parents can offer a safe, supportive haven for children during otherwise uncertain and difficult times, according to COG.
Montgomery County needs more foster parents. For information, click here.
