Stepping into Fatherhood

The greatest hope of every child in foster care is a safe, permanent home – ideally, with their parents. With some support and determination, parents can overcome their challenges and be strong, safe, and loving caretakers. Larry is a shining example of what can happen when parents, CASA, DCYF, and other community supports work together to ensure a child can safely return home.

Larry’s daughter was born at home in a bathroom. When paramedics arrived, the new baby was found on the floor without blankets or comfort. While the mother was ultimately unable to be involved, it was clear that wanted to be in his new daughter’s life, and to build a relationship with her. He just needed support and a chance to learn.

Terry, the CASA of NH advocate, recalls the first home visit. Even though Larry’s journey had just begun, and it was yet to be determined whether his daughter could go home, he already had a nursery set up. As he engaged with services, he filled out a detailed journal with notes about her needs and appointments. He traveled two hours each way for supervised visits; those visits gradually became unsupervised, and then turned into overnights.

“Larry has been incredibly receptive and eager to face the challenges of raising a baby,” says Terry. “He has been proactive in everything he has done.”

As Larry became more attached to his daughter, it became clear that the mother’s behaviors were not improving and she could not provide a safe or permanent home. Larry protected his daughter and engaged the support of his family, determined to care for her. He celebrated every milestone and was proud of her.

“I enjoyed having you help me along with the process of bringing my daughter back home,” he says of CASA’s involvement.

It quickly became clear to the judge, DCYF, and Terry that it was safe for Larry to bring his daughter home permanently. As the person appointed to advocate for his daughter’s best interest, Terry could see that he was a proactive parent who put his daughter’s needs first.

Last summer, Larry was officially reunified with his daughter. The NH Children’s Trust recently recognized him with an Unsung Hero award, which recognizes extraordinary parents, caregivers and guardians.

Today, his daughter is starting to stand and take her first steps, and he is soaking up fatherhood.

“I’m loving every minute of it,” says Larry.