The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services’ Home Finding Team is hosting a foster parent open house on Tuesday, July 25.

The department will offer an in-person session and a virtual session. The in-person session will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Cassadaga campus of Park United Methodist Church, 25 Maple Ave., Cassadaga. Attendees should enter through the side door. The virtual session will take place on the same date from 7 to 8 p.m.

Attendees will learn about various foster care and adoption programs and meet the county’s Home Finding Team. Events are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required to attend the virtual event, however walk-ins are welcome to attend the in-person event.

Foster Care services in Chautauqua County provide out-of-home care for children in the custody of the county Social Services commissioner. Foster care plays a role in providing temporary, safe and nurturing homes to children when their parents are unable to care for them. Children are placed in foster homes in situations where they have been removed from their own families because they have been abused, and/or neglected or because other family problems exist that endanger their safety.

The children may range from infancy through 18 years of age and may have special medical, physical or emotional needs; the children may belong to any ethnicity or race and be part of a group of siblings who would benefit most from remaining together.

“Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will not give up on them, who understands the power of connections and insists that they become the best they can possibly be,” said Melissa McMahon, director of certification. “You don’t have to be perfect to be an amazing parent. Please consider learning more about fostering a child in our community.”

To register or for more information email Audra Moeller at moellera@chqgov.com, call 716-661-8212 or visit www.chqhhs.com.