This weekend, I attended the new Tom Stoppard play, the Hard Problem, that ponders the nature of what it means, in the contemporary world, to be human - what is consciousness, and are goodness and morality an essential part of human nature? What motivates goodness or acts of kindness? It is difficult to consider these questions without concluding that there are complex factors that influence “good” behavior, including genetics and evolutionary pressures (we can be generous because it ultimately helps to propagate the gene pool), self-expression (it helps us define who we are), self-interest (we share so others share with us), and enjoying the approval from others for doing something good. It is this last cause of helpful, kind action that has stuck with me.

On October 22, Forestdale welcomed Foster Parents, the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio, the office of NYS Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, ACS First Deputy Commissioner Eric Brettschneider, ACS Assistant Commissioner Trevor M. John, ACS Associate Commissioner Ray Toomer, and other stakeholders to listen to foster parents share their experience with the Home Away from Home (HAFH) program and the “Mockingbird” Family Model.

The Administration for Children's Services recognized Forestdale for excellence in permanency, exceeding New York City's targets for discharge to adoption or KinGAP. Permanency for a foster child is critical-- a sense of home and belonging go a long way towards helping the child adjust emotionally and heal from trauma. We are incredibly proud to be honored alongside organizations such as HeartShare, Children's Aid, Sheltering Arms, Abbott House.

Our wonderful staff and families made this possible!