The Oswego County Department of Social Services (DSS) needs foster parents to care for local children in need of a safe and loving home. Each month, DSS offers virtual meetings for people to learn more about foster care and adoption. The next meeting runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“We have a large need for foster parents in Oswego County,” said DSS Commissioner Stacy Alvord. “Every child deserves a safe, stable home where they are cared for, supported and loved. Foster parents are truly heroes to the kids that they care for, and we encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering to attend one of our meetings or reach out to us for more information.”

Those who would like to participate and help local children and teens find a forever family can contact Patricia Pennock by Monday, July 31 to sign up for the Aug. 5 meeting.

Call 315-963-5382 or email patricia.pennock@dfa.state.ny.us and provide an email address to register. Login information will be provided to those who pre-register. If no responses are received, the meeting will be cancelled.

With dozens of local children and teens in need of love and care, DSS encourages residents to help raise awareness about this critical issue and share this information with interested friends and family members. Residents can start to make a difference in the life of a young person by participating in this valuable program.

For more information about foster parenting and adoption through DSS, go to

https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/human_services/social_services/adult___family_services/foster_care___adoption.php.