A Labor of Love

“One rotten apple can ruin the whole barrel.” Is this true in the case of doctors, teachers, journalists and politicians? Is it true in the case of foster parents?

The recent allegations of child abuse in a Mira Mesa home and the resulting negative publicity reinforce the “bad apple effect” in the minds of people. We are shocked at the violation of a sacred promise to foster children to provide them with a safe haven. We look for someone to blame, and so respect is violated unjustly for the majority of foster parents who commit their lives to providing a safe haven for abused and neglected children.

Do we really want to demoralize the many foster parents who literally save the lives of thousands of kids every year in this country? Do we really want to discourage new people from becoming foster parents because they do not want to be labeled “bad apples?”

We can turn this situation around. If we act as responsible, caring citizens we will demand to know how abuses within the system can be reduced and eliminated and how human error can be minimized.

We must, through our numerous community organizations, seek ways of recognizing and honoring the fine work that the great majority of foster parents do.

Those of us who work in the field of foster care know the truth. Some of the best people we know are foster parents. If there are a few “bad apples,” then let’s establish better preventive policies soon so the rest of us can get on with our labor of love for the sake of the children.

BONNIE FEINMAN

Family Care Resource Center