Adoptive, foster families share their love with children

Published: 2006-07-10

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) -- Jean and John Platt opened their home to more than 150 children during the 17 years they were foster parents. Each of those children holds a special place in their hearts, but four of them now occupy another niche as well. Four years ago, the Platts adopted four siblings for whom they had previously cared as foster parents. The children's biological mother, who was dying, asked the Catholic couple to adopt her children and keep the siblings together as a family, Jean Platt said. But the decision to adopt had an unforeseen effect on their commitment to continue serving as foster parents. "Six months after the adoption, our 6-year-old said to me, 'If you love one of (the foster children) more, will you give me back?'" Platt recalled. The question broke Platt's heart, and she and her husband soon left the foster-care program operated by the Monroe County Department of Health and Human Services. "We want these children to know they're permanent," she said.

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