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| Caption: (l. - r.): Treatment Home Family of the Year award winner Francine Orsini. |
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(Paramus, NJ) April 25, 2007 - Just a few years ago, three young boys were moved from place to place while living in foster care. They had very little - no family support or permanent home, and wondered if they'd ever find a loving family to care for them.
One incredible woman has made their wish come true, by giving them an encouraging and positive home environment in which to thrive. Under Francine Orsini's care, the boys have transformed from troubled children to productive, happy young men. Her tremendous efforts were recently recognized at the NJ Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families' annual conference at the Pines Manor, in Edison, NJ, where she and her boys were honored with the 2007 "Treatment Home Family of the Year" award.
Ms. Orsini is the birth mother of three children and fosters three adolescent boys, and has never found a challenge she couldn't handle. She first became a foster parent in 1998, taking in a troubled 5-year-old boy. He was extremely hyperactive, defiant, and was destructive both at home and in school. However, with her unwavering support, tolerance, and understanding, Ms. Orsini has helped him make incredible progress and succeed both academically and socially.
Her second foster child initially came to her home for one weekend after an unsuccessful placement in another foster home. At the time, he had been getting into trouble at school, and fighting with other children. Now, six years later, he is a teenager, and has come a long way, making marked improvement socially and academically.
Her third foster child has been in her home for more than four years. Once an angry, defiant child who had trouble communicating with others, he has also made significant progress since being in Ms. Orsini's care, and is a much happier, expressive young man.
"These boys want what most children have - structure and love," says Ms. Orsini. "Once I showed them how to have structure in their lives, and gave them my unconditional love, they began to heal and their lives improved."
To that end, Ms. Orsini sets clear house rules: no fighting, loud music, running inside, stealing, or swearing are allowed. She is also teaching the boys a healthy sense of responsibility, as well as important life skills. For instance, they must keep their rooms clean, take out the garbage, and do their own laundry.
Despite her hard work, patience, and success in raising the boys, Ms. Orsini was shocked to win the Treatment Home Family of the Year award. "At first I thought, 'Me? Out of all the other terrific foster parents?'" she says, "But then I was really honored to be chosen."
"Ms. Orsini demonstrates a true commitment to children," says June Sosland, treatment homes director, Children's Aid and Family Services. "Her positive and direct parenting style has significantly improved the quality of life for three very vulnerable foster children. She and her boys have certainly earned the recognition of Treatment Home Family of the Year."
Children's Aid and Family Services is one of the largest regional, nonprofit human services organizations serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has served our community for more than 100 years. Our mission is to preserve, protect and, when needed, provide families. Motivated by compassion for vulnerable children, young adults, frail elderly and their families, we provide high-quality and innovative services that meet their social, educational and emotional needs.
If you're interested in learning more about our treatment home program, please call Shannon Prescott at 201-226-0300.
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