Kittlesons honored for foster care

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM --William (Bill) and Sherry Kittleson, licensed foster care providers in Brown County, recently received a distinguished service award from Region 9 Minnesota Social Service Association.

The Kittlesons became licensed foster care providers in 1996. They have cared for nine foster children, including the three children currently in their home.

The award recognizes them for showing "great skill in dealing with children who have special needs (physical, emotional and developmental)."

The award also honors the Kittlesons for doing "an excellent job of modeling positive behaviors and teaching life skills that children can use."

The Kittlesons also have three children, Katie, Billy and Keith.

"They (the Kittlesons' children) give up a lot, too," said Sherry, "They teach the kids a lot. They do a lot of role modeling for the kids."

A number of years ago, the Kittlesons took advantage of an opportunity to buy Bill's grandfather's land at a reasonable price, Sherry said. They purchased the land and built a new home.

"It's really pretty out there -- it's out in the country," said Sherry, "I felt pretty lucky, and I wanted to share that with others."

Sherry previously operated a daycare in Mankato, and she missed "having the kids around."

They called Brown County and received the proper training and licensing to become foster parents.

In addition to foster care, the Kittlesons also provide "respite care" for one child approximately 13 days out of a month. Respite care is short-term period that allows a parent to take a breather from parenting for one, two or more days, as decided upon by social workers.

"It's just a really rewarding job," said Sherry, "The best part is the bonds that you have with the children. We still have kids that write us letters. And just to know that we've made a difference in their lives."

The Kittlesons' foster children have always returned to a healthier environment after being in their home.

"The social workers of Brown County really do try hard to work with the parents (of the foster children) and help them keep their families together," said Sherry.

Currently, there are 19 licensed foster care families in Brown County.

"We can always use more foster care families," said Barb Dietz, foster care licensing and adoption social worker for Brown County Family Services, "We're particularly looking for foster parents for the 11-18 year old age children who need the foster care."

Brown County Family Services is also looking for people interested in doing respite care.

Foster parents can be single or married, and they can also work outside the home, according to Dietz. Foster parents receive some compensation for providing the care.

"They (the foster families) really are providing a tremendous service to the county by opening their homes," said Dietz, "We're asking them to provide a safe, temporary place for the foster children to stay when they can't be in their own home."

Persons interested in doing foster or respite care or needing more information about should contact Barb Dietz at Brown County Family Services (507) 359-6500.