What can you share about your experience fostering through San Mar?

"Fostering through San Mar has been a wonderful experience. All of the caseworkers are supportive which is why we chose to foster with San Mar in the first place. Having a caseworker who truly cares about you and whoever is placed in our home has made a world of difference in our time as foster parents. I am sure that being licensed with San Mar is the reason we are coming up on our seventh year licensed. I know that no matter what they will help us take care of whatever is going on, be a listening ear, and a helping hand in whatever situation. They go above and beyond which gives such a peace of mind in all of the ups and downs of foster care. They make us feel seen, heard and valued. Our caseworkers feel like part of the family because they truly become invested in us. We love being foster parents with San Mar and can't imagine being foster parents with anyone else."

What are some ways that San Mar prepares you to be a foster parent?

"San Mar does a great job making sure we are trained to deal with whatever comes our way. We get training on trauma, attachment, working with birth families, how to navigate IEPs or medication, plus so much more. If we don't feel prepared for something right at that moment, I know that I can call the caseworker and she will be right there to help us through and figure out our next steps. Every child is different and every case presents its own challenges, so it feels encouraging to know that we are not alone and we have caseworker to bounce ideas off of. Our training is always evolving to accommodate new statistics and challenges that foster parents face. We are required to get a minimum of ongoing training hours every year which is offered in a variety of ways."

In addition to your fostering experience, you have also been through the process of adoption in Maryland. What was that like?

"One thing I think needs to be noted:  Our adoption was actually through the county where Malachi was born. San Mar doesn't have any part of the adoption process other than playing a support role.

We got the call for Malachi when he was almost four months old. He was a preemie, born at 24 weeks, still in the NICU needing someone to give him specialized care. We were so excited and nervous to go meet him and bring him home. He required a lot of follow up specialty appointments. In the first couple of months we never even thought adoption would be an option for him. He had visitation with not only his birth mom, but also his maternal grandmother. As the months went on we formed a good relationship with his mother. Our relationship continued to grow through the years of Malachi being placed in our home. Ultimately, Malachi's birth mom asked us if we would be willing to adopt him and give him the life she thought he deserved. After almost four years of him being our son, he legally became ours on November 17th of 2023. Adoption holds a special place in my heart. It has been such a privilege to be Malachi's mom and to call him our son.His smile lights up every room he is in and his laugh is contagious. He is an amazing, strong, silly, smart, and brave little boy, who I know will do incredible things in his life. Adoption isn't perfect, it is beautiful and messy, but I cannot imagine a life without Malachi."

What an incredible story. What has your experience been like at PMC?

"Malachi started receiving therapy at PMC three years ago. He has had physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. We have loved all of his therapists, two of which he has been seeing since he started. I think it is amazing how much they have been able to watch him grow throughout the years. All of his therapists are supportive, helping me figure out ways to help him in his everyday life, and always hear my concerns. Malachi looks forward to seeing Connor, Justin, and Hillary every week. He loves them and talks about them outside of therapy. Prior to going to PMC, he wasn't progressing the way we hoped he would. As soon as we started therapy, we saw so many improvements and they had him walking in about four months. I see so much value in bringing him to PMC. We are so thankful for all that they have done for our son. PMC holds a special place in our hearts."

If you are interested in learning more about foster care in Washington County, MD, please check out San Mar's website for more information.