Dialogue

              Dialogue, 2002 25
Illinois Foster Parents Conference
emergency cash within one hour.
The committee’s strategy for
implementing and distributing the
plan could well serve as a model
for others to follow.
“This award recognizes the
importance of supporting foster
parents, teamwork, quality assur-ance
and determination. They’re
all important in the work that we
do,” said foster parent Willie
Green.
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan
Chicago scored the highest among
all plans submitted. The foster
parent involvement in the plan
was excellent. The plan, itself,
was complete, thorough, and well
written. Dignity and respect for
foster parents was interwoven
throughout the plan. Among its
important features, the plan
required supervisors to make
quick decisions on reimburse-ments.
“The award not only shows
that we have a plan that is put
together well and in place, but it
also shows the very hard work
that is put into making the plan a
reality,” explained YMCA
Committee Chair Leon Intrater.
Catholic Social Services of
Peoria
Most narratives in the organi-zation’s
plan were succinct, thor-ough
and well-written. Sign-off by
staff and foster parents suggested
broad involvement in developing
and supporting the plan. Licensing
staff give the implementation plan
to all foster parents on their first
The BabyFold (left to right) Director McDonald with Director of Child Welfare Services
Karen Blum, Supervisor Jean Guy and foster parent John Bowman.
Lakeside Community Committee (left to right) Child Welfare Administrator Irwin
McEwen, Executive Director Barbara Jones Green, foster parents Irma Young and
Continued on page 26 Willie Green, Director of Quality Improvement Jackie Sharp and Director McDonald.