A Maryland foster mother who is 88 years old and one of the most seasoned long-term foster mothers in the foster care system in the United States has received special distinction.
She has fostered more than 40 children since establishing her home in Montgomery County in the 1980s, and after declaring that she would eventually leave foster care,
she was recently honored with an award for her efforts to the state’s young. Emma Patterson, who was interviewed by ABC News for their ‘America Strong’ episode,
stated that she got engaged when her two born children began to periodically bring other children home with them who were in need of assistance.
The two brothers knew their mother was the best person to help, whether they needed food, warm clothes, or a safe place to hang out after school.
Patterson worked at a nearby university, had recently split from her children’s father, and held a retail position that provided a discount,
which she utilized to purchase necessities for her children as well as those who weren’t her own.
This prompted her to register her White Oak, Maryland, home and herself with the Montgomery County foster home system.
There, she would occasionally take in newborns who were born addicted to drugs and were unable to return home with their parents.
She could take in up to nine children at a time, some of whom would remain in her care until they were adults.
According to a Montgomery County representative who talked with ABC News, Patterson is among the foster parents in the county
who has provided long-term housing for the greatest number of children and is also among the most seasoned foster parents.
‘I never believed that anyone was paying attention to this.’ You know, I didn’t do it to gain recognition from anyone,’ Patterson said to ABC News.
There was always simply a boy or girl in that circumstance, and no one seemed to give a damn about them.
They also required food or a place to sleep. ‘I’m incredibly proud of every child because they’ve all evolved into amazing people,’ the speaker said.