In 1975, the Foster Family Association was originally formed and became a non-profit organization.

Donna Foster, the early president of the Foster Family Association reported, “at that time, we had no money or support. We just wanted to be there for other families.”

The group began holding conferences that were available to families statewide. The state realized the value of having the Foster Family Association and donated $1,000.00 to continue holding yearly conferences.

In 1994, the first group dissipated. The demands on the volunteer President became too great. The Association maintained non-profit status and hoped that one day, leaders would surface that would take the reins once again.

In 1998, after the Association was revived, Chuck Harris, Director of the Division of Social Services, attended a conference. He was introduced and when he was called upon to speak, he simply rose from his chair and said, “All of you are my heroes.”

Under his leadership, budgets were developed to support the Foster Parent Association (FPA) and Strong Able Youth Speaking Out (SAYSO). Each group received $5,000.00 and Child Welfare Staff members, Joanne Scaturro (FPA) and Joan McCallister (SAYSO) were assigned as liaisons from the department.

In 1998, Sheryl Ewing served as President for the reestablished association. The Association was hopeful and excited to make a difference for resource and kinship families.

In 2003, Stacey Darbee was voted in as President.

UNCG/NC Kids managed the Association for six years as a courtesy in partnership with the board. The name of the group was changed to the North Carolina Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (NCFAPA) to be more inclusive.

Under Ms. Darbee’s leadership and in partnership with Jeanne Preisler, of NC Kids, the Association was most noted for the yearly statewide conference. Families were able to receive credits for the workshops they attended, as well as have a chance to network with other resource and kinship families.

From 2004-2012, the Association’s fiduciary agent was Benchmarks, under Karen McCleod.

Ms. Darbee sat on at least thirty committees during her tenure as a voice for resource and adoptive families. Her energy and ability to connect with interagency partners, other family organizations and youth organizations made a positive impact on significant policies, such as raising the age for children and youth in foster care, increased benefits for resource families and the initial discussion of the Bill of Rights for resource and kinship families.

Other activities of the Association included:

• Partnering with UNC Chapel Hill to contribute to “Fostering Perspectives,” a statewide newsletter that went out to all certified foster and adoptive families.

• Partnering with Jimmy Wayne, a country music star and former foster child in Gaston County.

• Naming a foster and adoptive family of the year.

• Keeping families informed about policy and legislation related to foster children.

• Working with other community groups to improve outcomes for children in the foster care system.

• In September 2012, money for the Association was discontinued. Without further funding opportunities the Association had difficulty operating. An Executive team joined forces to keep the Association running. This team consisted of Mark Maxwell, Historian; Joanne Light, Region 2 VP; Maurita Miller, Region 3 VP and Anne Brantley, Region 4 VP.

• In 2017, forces came together, meeting around a kitchen table, to make revitalizing the Association a priority. Starting with the Triad with goals of expanding to the whole state.

• Joanne Scaturro, agency co-chair of the North Carolina Collaborative for Children, Youth and Families.

• Family co-chair, Stacy Justiss, a kinship parent.

• Dana Gracie and Maurita McCorkle, resource parents.

• Kate Norwalk, with NC State

• Jim Barbee, with Wake County Social Services.

During the same time Karen McLeod, with Benchmarks, had written legislation that included a line item for $150,000 to support a foster parent association. The group started negotiating with DSS to support their efforts.

The history of the Alliance is one of passion and persistence. Past presidents Stacey Darbee, Maurita McCorkle, Dana Gracie and Gaile Osborne, have given us a strong foundation.

The vice president, Kate Norwalk, has been a constant and positive presence for our board. She is the force behind the Bill of Rights.

The Foster Family Alliance has grown immensely since that time. We now have:

• A full time Executive Director

• Solid contracts with NC DSS

• Grants to promote training and visibility

• A Bill of Rights for foster parents

• A newly energized board committed to the ongoing growth of the organization

Welcome to the Alliance! You are now part of our history and ongoing work for resource and kinship families!