Vol. 12, No. 2 • June 2008

2008 NCFAPA Award Winners

The NC Foster and Adoptive Parent Association’s 10th Annual Training Institute, Shining the Spotlight—A Decade of Dedication! was held April 25–27, 2008 at the Twin City Quarter in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At this event we celebrated the impact foster and adoptive parents have on children and families in our state.

Prior to this event we asked you to submit nominations for a foster family or adoptive family in your region of the state who has put a spotlight on building a child’s self-esteem, or who has gone above and beyond in their dedication to children and families.

The winners received an award and were honored at the event in Winston-Salem. We are proud to be able to present you with profiles of the statewide winners, Steve and Kim Wilkins (adoptive parents) and Barbara Taylor (foster parent). To read the profiles of the other eight award winners please go to <www.fosteringperspectives.org/fpv12n2/winners.pdf>.

Statewide Winner for Adoptive Parents
Steve and Kim Wilkins, Brunswick County (Region 4)
Nominated by: Columbus County Department of Social Services

Steve and Kim Wilkins have been a foster care placement for Columbus County Department of Social Services since June 9, 2004. The Wilkins accepted a four-month-old child with special needs directly from the hospital. Kim visited with “Allie” while she was still hospitalized to learn procedures to care for her many medical problems.

Numerous times they have taken Allie to Duke, Chapel Hill, or New Hanover hospitals and stayed with her day in and day out, worried if she would be alright. The Wilkins communicated with medical staff to learn about her condition and how to enhance her care and make sure her needs were being met. Allie’s physical and mental development has surpassed the doctor’s expectations because of the hope, care, and love given by Steve and Kim.

The Wilkins made several adjustments to properly care for Allie, such as modifying their home to accommodate a wheelchair and purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to transport her. Now as she is advancing to a larger wheelchair, they are facing a bigger problem of the chair not going through the interior doorways of their home.

Kim travels over three hours each month to take Allie to visit with her sibling, who lives in a medical facility. Allie has received the best of care and love that any child could ever have. The Wilkins always inquired about the adoption of Allie, and we are pleased to announce that the Wilkins received a Decree of Adoption for Allie on Valentine’s Day 2008. This is truly an adoptive home that sets the standard for exemplary dedication and commitment to a child.

Statewide Winner for Foster Parent
Barbara Taylor, Wake County (Region 3)
Nominated by: Vera Khayrallah, Wake County Human Services

Barbara Taylor has been licensed with Wake County Human Services for 26 years and has had many foster children in her home. She is our teen foster mom and has taken children ages 16 to 21 years.

Barbara Taylor has demonstrated great passion and care for the children, many of whom had serious challenging behaviors and issues. She takes children not many people would take. She sees potentials despite the challenges.

Barbara is the queen when it comes to teaching children independent living skills, encouraging them to stay in school, learning job skills, and guiding them to make good choices. She has made a difference in the lives of many young adults through her advocacy and commitment. Many children were helped by Barbara to have a good start in adulthood; some continue to keep in touch with her.

Ms. Taylor also participated in PALS/LINKS meetings with her foster children. She served as a support to other foster parents caring for older children, and has spoken on panels encouraging new foster parents to consider taking older children. Barbara has been a great asset to our agency and to our older children. For all that I extend my heart felt thanks to her.

Copyright � 2008 Jordan Institute for Families