A Mom from Orange County Talks About Her Touching Experience as A Foster Parent!

Abby Mortenson and her husband, Daniel, have faced numerous challenges in their journey to adopt a child. Their initial attempts to adopt both domestically and internationally were fraught with heartbreaking setbacks. However, their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on a child’s life led them to explore the path of foster care.

Living in Orange County, Abby and Daniel were determined to open their hearts and homes to children in need. “We have always had a heart for kids, especially ones that are vulnerable,” said Abby Mortenson, a professional photographer. “We wanted to open up our home to children and be able to love them. For us, it was a calling, and we are blessed and thankful for the opportunity.”

May is Foster Care Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for foster parents. It also acknowledges the efforts of foster parents, family members, child welfare professionals, and community partners who work tirelessly to provide safe, nurturing homes for children in foster care. The Mortensons embody the spirit of this month through their actions and dedication.

The couple’s foster care journey began with the placement of three siblings from Sullivan County: five-year-old Thomas, his four-year-old biological brother Patrick, and a five-year-old girl named Somi. Despite the challenges that come with fostering, the Mortensons found joy and fulfillment in their role. Their dedication and love led to the adoption of these three children, making them a permanent part of their family.

In addition to their adopted children, the Mortensons are currently providing foster care to Thomas and Patrick’s two-year-old sister and an infant boy. This extension of their family underscores their ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable children.

Children enter foster care for various reasons, including court-ordered placements due to unsafe living conditions or voluntary placements by parents seeking temporary care for their children. The goal of foster care is to provide a stable, loving environment for children while working towards reunification with their biological families or finding permanent adoptive homes. In fact, approximately 50 percent of children who enter the foster care system return to their parents or primary caregivers.

Abby Mortenson frequently shares her experiences as a foster parent, hoping to inspire others to consider fostering. “A lot of people who know I am a foster parent have told me that they have thought about it but, for whatever reason, have not taken steps to do it,” she said. “There is such a need for loving homes. I’d encourage people to consider taking training if they have a heart to support foster children and families. It does hurt to say goodbye, but it’s always worth giving a child the love and care they deserve and need.”

In New York, efforts by State and local child welfare services, along with community partners, have led to a decline in the number of children and youth in foster care. However, the need remains significant, with nearly 15,000 children and youth currently in foster care placements across the state. The Mortensons’ story serves as a powerful testament to the impact that compassionate and dedicated foster parents can have on the lives of vulnerable children, offering them hope, stability, and a loving home.

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By sharing their journey, the Mortensons hope to raise awareness and encourage others to consider fostering. Their story highlights the profound difference that loving, supportive foster parents can make, not only in the lives of the children they care for but also in their own lives, as they experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from providing a nurturing home to those in need.