Ice cream social offers thanks and information for foster families

The Roberta and James Anthis family home is always a busy place. With six children, they've come to expect anything.

The Anthises are one of approximately 160 foster families in Nevada's rural counties, according to the Department of Child and Family Services. Those families provide services to approximately 440 children. The rural counties include all of Nevada except Washoe and Clark.

Unable to have children themselves, the couple wanted to adopt and thought that they could also serve as foster parents. When children in Roberta's extended family were put in foster care, it spurred the Anthises to get licensed in hope of watching the children.

Even though they weren't able to care for family members, James and Roberta were ready to welcome children in need into their home.

"We knew there was a risk involved with that, but we thought that at least the child would have a home," Roberta, 38, said.

In July 2000, with boxes still to be unpacked in their new house, the couple welcomed their first foster child. Since then they have had nine children spend time in their care.

"It isn't for the faint of heart, but it's not hard. It's been a good positive experience for us," Roberta said. "Every kid that's in our home becomes our family. They will always be part of our family."

They have adopted four, are completing the adoption of their fifth and have temporary care of another 4-month-old baby.

Several agencies will be honoring Foster parents in May as part of National Foster Care Month.

Those interested in becoming foster parents must meet certain criteria, go through a screening process and "be willing to embrace a challenge."

"Foster parents are vital for our organization to care for the children that come into the system," said Melodie Masterson, rural region adoption recruiter for the family services division. "Putting children in a family setting is one less thing that changes, one less thing they lose."

There are several events planned for the month, including an ice cream social from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada.

The social is open to foster families and those with an interest or questions about becoming a foster parent. Anyone interested can also call 888-423-2659 ext. 237.

To kick off National Foster Care Month, foster parents tied blue ribbons around the trees at the Capitol on April 30. The Sierra Association of Foster Families is hosting an appreciation dinner for foster parents May 25 at the El Dorado Hotel and Casino in Reno.

For Roberta, being a foster parent is worthwhile even with the struggles it presents.

"There are tears but there's also a lot of joys," Roberta said. "It's scary but it's worth it. It's worth every inconvenience."

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

Up for a challenge?

Requirements to become a foster parent:

• Must be at least 21

• Can be single, married, widowed or divorced

• Complete a 27-hour training

• Submit to law enforcement checks

• Be in good physical, mental and emotional health

• Maintain a clean home, free of hazards

• Have a stable income to support foster children

• Be willing to embrace a challenge

If you go

What: Foster

Parent Ice Cream Social and

information

When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Children's Museum of

Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St.