Ohio Supreme Court Justice praises Richland County foster parents during annual dinner

MANSFIELD -- Supreme Court of Ohio Justice Yvette McGee Brown on Friday night delivered keynote remarks at an event organized to thank Richland County foster parents for their contributions, telling her audience that as a former juvenile court judge she knew well the value of their work.

Speaking at the Richland County Children Services Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner at the R&L Banquet Center, Mcgee Brown said foster parents are often a child's last, best chance.

The event was offered during Foster Parent Appreciation Month and is an annual event sponsored by Children Services.

“Sometimes it seems like there is no one left who can pick up the pieces, who might make a difference in a child’s life, except for that foster mom or dad,” McGee Brown said.

“You know those kids feel the good you do, even if they don’t always tell you. Their teachers, who see them thrive, notice it, too, and your church leaders. Believe me, the judges and guardians who see them not going back into the system at the end of the day, we see it too.”

“So thank you for answering those early morning phone calls and late night knocks on the door, for lending an ear and laying down the law, for doing the hard work when someone else was unable to. Everyone benefits from your selflessness and the sacrifices you make,” McGee Brown said.

(Click here to see a photo gallery from the event.)

McGee Brown made her remarks before an audience of foster parents and their families, local community leaders, and agency administrators and employees. More than 70 pairs of foster parents were honored at the event.

Founder of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, McGee Brown remains active in children and family advocacy.