Fostering children was not something that Ameria and Donald Forrest of Newington intentionally thought about decades ago. But a request for a sibling from their then-seven-year-old biological daughter prompted consideration.
Since 2010, this couple has fostered 12 children, in various capacities through Wheeler’s Foster Care program, as well as six children through a different provider.
“Donald and I have a large, extended family with many kids, and we have a lot to offer other children who need guidance, care and a link to ‘family,’” said Ameria, who works as an RN at a local health care organization. “We are so glad to have taken this path.”
The Forrests have been with Wheeler since January of 2020 and have had six full-time placements as well as six short-term placements and emergency respite care. The couple comprise a well-balanced parenting team. Donald, a manager at a manufacturing company, brings calm and composure to this endeavor and is adept at helping a dysregulated child during a crisis. Ameria understands the importance of connecting a child to their roots and often engages with a child’s birth family to help alleviate anxiety on the part of birth families or their children.
Don and Ameria acknowledge the unique needs of each foster child and are committed to fostering a child’s comfort right at the very start. “Our aim is to give them all the support they need and keeping them safe,” said Donald. “The kids are guarded at first, but little by little, we work together to establish a rapport and gain trust.”
Ameria dedicates one-on-one time with each child, especially in the beginning, to get to know their preferences. Snacks are key. So are preferences for sleep and rest. “We’ll go to the supermarket, or restaurants, for example, where I can get a sense of what they like to eat,” said Ameria. “I want to understand what’s important to them—big and little things—and what they need to feel safe and comfortable in our home.”
The Forrests said the majority of their children have links to their biological families, and many times return to their families after a period of time, while others do not.
“We appreciate the fact that our kids have experienced a lot of challenges,” said Don. “The most important thing is to do what we can so that these children feel cared for and that they do not fall through the cracks.”
The Forrest’s support spans everything including helping with homework, mostly Don’s domain, especially math, driver’s test preparation, prom and graduation details, and more.
“Our goal is to offer our kids tools, exposure, and love so that they leave strong and live happy and productive lives,” said Ameria. “Being a foster parent is rewarding, even when—and after—we say ‘good-bye’.”
Wheeler’s Foster Care programs, funded by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, provide 24-hour support to families and youth in Waterbury and surrounding towns. Wheeler’s programs provide a higher level of care and resources, including supports to meet the needs of children and youth and help them heal from abuse, neglect, trauma, and more.
For information about Wheeler Foster Care opportunities, call 860.793.7277, email Fostercareprograms@wheelerclinic.org or visit Wheeler Health.org/Foster.