Department of Children and Family Services staff members include, bottom row, from left, Tina ‘Tiki’ Vial, Donna Hatch, Michelle Adams, back row, Tangela Smith, Teri Hebert, L. Monique Williams and Jean Guinta.

LAPLACE — The River Parishes Foster and Adoptive Parent Asso-ciation and the BayouLands Foster and Adoptive Parent Association recently partnered with the Department of Children and Family Services to host their annual Foster Parent Appreciation gathering.

The event honored foster families from Region IV, which includes St. James, St. Charles and St. John the Baptist Parishes.

Paulette Hayes was awarded Foster Parent of the Year.

Hayes has been a foster parent for 36 years.

In that time, she has provided a safe and loving home for more than 45 children.

The title of DCFS Region IV Worker of the Year was awarded to Teri Hebert, who has been employed with the Department of Children and Family Services for 10 years.

In her current role within the Home Development Unit, she recruits and certifies foster and adoptive parents. She also locates home placements for children needing a loving and safe environment.

Hebert is currently working with 81 families.

The Department of Children and Family Services is looking for new foster families.

If you think you might be interested, call the Region IV office at 985-447-0945 to find out the date and time of the next orientation meeting.