making THE DIFFERENCE Families

BY SUSAN A. STIBBE >> SKYLOFT PHOTOGRAPHY

In a world of loss and chaos, PATH offers calm and caring to foster children and families in crisis with an array of support programs and services. PATH is a private, non-profit agency serving children and families. It has been providing family-based and treatment foster care services since 1972. In 2013 it served over 1200 children and families in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Idaho.

“The biggest myth about foster care is that there is very little need in North Dakota,” said Kristi Johnson, PATH Public Relations Director. “Nothing could be farther from the truth. Right now, we have 550 foster families in our three states and a need for more. The familiar thread that runs through our core of services are the foster parents.”

Those programs include Treatment Foster Care (TFC), which emphasizes the development of strong, healthy foster families who face meeting the needs of children with multiple challenges that impact functioning.

Nancy Horton, PATH Southeast Regional Director, said, “Each child has a wraparound team involved in the child’s life. This team includes therapists, psychologists, social workers, foster parents, as well as the child’s legal custodian and parents.”

“Our main goals are family preservation and family reunification, so proximity to services is very important. Foster children have suffered loss; we want to keep them as close as possible to their communities, schools, and friends,” said Horton. PATH has nine locations throughout North Dakota with the main administrative office in Fargo at 1112 Nodak Drive.

When reunification is not possible, some children may become eligible for adoption. The majority of these children are adopted by their foster families. Michelle Beyer is one of these parents. She and her husband, Pat, became foster parents through PATH. They have two biological children, seven adopted children, and one permanent foster child. “We prayed about it – we turned to our faith and decided it was a good fit for us,” said Michelle. “There have been struggles and lots and lots of accomplishments. There isn’t anything fabulous about me. We just take them in and love them up. I wish more people would consider becoming foster parents. PATH is like a family to us, a huge support system. It truly does take a village.”

“Our biggest challenge is finding foster parents,” said Nancy Horton. “Anyone who wants to make a difference in a child’s life can be a foster parent. You don’t have to be the Cleavers, you can be single, living in an apartment, whatever. This is for anyone who wants to give.”

Another consideration is cost. “Nobody gets into this for the money, but it should not be a financial burden to provide foster care,” stated Horton. Tax-free reimbursement is given to all foster parents.

PATH also needs foster parents for respite homes. These parents don’t commit to a full-time placement, but instead provide episodic care, usually a few days a month, giving respite to other foster families.

PATH’s mission statement is “Families Making The Difference.” They are truly making a wonderful difference in North Dakota.

For more information or to contact PATH – call 1-800-766 9321 or log on – www.pathnd.org. [AWM]