Treatment Foster Care

Being a parent in today’s world is not easy. Being a Treatment Foster Parent has the added challenge of dealing with a child that has a troubled background.

“I’ve learned as much from my children as they have learned from me,” shares Roy Townes, father to two biological daughters and six foster sons. Roy and his wife, Laverne, have been LFSV Treatment Foster Parents for 13 years. “Physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, drug problems, and sexual abuse are just some of the reasons that result in a child being removed from his or her home. The children that come to us are angry, confused and fear further rejection. Through them, I’ve learned to see the blessings in my life and appreciate the small things.”

Laverne has learned from the children as well. “Through the children, I’ve learned that God’s love can change anything. We can reach the unreachable, teach the unteachable and love the unlovable. Our treatment foster sons came to us with behavioral and emotional problems. When they leave, our hope is that they should be confident, have dreams and aspirations. If that child is reunited with his biological family, he should be a blessing to that family. If he leaves my home for ‘the world,’ he should be an asset and a blessing to the community.”

Laverne and Roy have not only provided a loving home to eight children, they have challenged them to be all they can be. A daughter teaches at an inner city Head Start Program. A son is in the U.S. Army. A son is in college training to be a chef. A son and daughter are getting ready to complete their college degrees.

The Townes’ are changing the world in a profound way. One child at a time, they are helping to end familial cycles of abuse and neglect. Says Laverne, “I am grateful to have the opportunity to be the extension of the hands of God.”