Jeremy and Brooke Hargis of Strong Named South Arkansas Foster Parents of the Year Banquet part of growing DCFS effort to better support and retain foster families
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) plans to celebrate and honor its foster parents on Friday, July 20 at a banquet at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. As part of that celebration, the agency has named Jeremy and Brooke Hargis as its Area 4 Foster Parents of the Year for their significant efforts to support children in foster care and their biological families.
DCFS Director Mischa Martin said the Hargis’ were selected as area winners primarily because they have embraced their role as a “reunification partner” and work closely with the biological families of the children in their care.
“They are amazing foster parents and pour all their energy into their children,” said Martin. “In addition to their commitment to helping reunify foster children with their families, the Hargis’ have made a name for themselves through their ability and willingness to be ambassadors and powerful voices for foster parenting.”
DCFS is responsible for the safety of children and youth in the state and has approximately 4,500 children in foster care, most of whom are placed in home settings with foster families. The state is divided into 10 service areas, and nominations for outstanding foster families were submitted from each area by family service workers, other foster parents, and child advocates.
One winner from each area as well as an overall winner (to be announced at the banquet) were chosen by DHS/DCFS staff based on years of services to the division, reunification efforts with biological families, partnership with the agency, support for other foster parents, advocacy for the children in their care, and other criteria.
The Call of Union County is very proud of The Hargis' and all the work they have done. They are a big help to this organization.
