A neighborhood mom: The Martinos’ journey from foster care to adoption

Jul 31, 2024

Frances Martino has always loved children and had a nurturing spirit. Even after her children grew up and moved out, she found herself missing the energy and joy that kids brought into her life. With an empty nest and a desire to make a difference, Frances decided to become a foster parent. She knew that many children in foster care needed a loving and stable home, and she felt called to provide that for them.

Over the years, Frances welcomed many children into her home, each leaving a lasting impact on her heart. Some stayed for a short time, while others have become a permanent part of her family through adoption. Through it all, Frances has found fulfillment and purpose in being a foster parent, knowing that she is making a positive difference in the lives of children who need it most.  

Frances has personal experience with foster homes. Frances’ mother tragically passed away when she was a little girl. She lived with her grandmother in an informal kinship placement. When her grandmother could no longer care for her, Frances’ godmother pursued certification as a foster parent and Frances was placed with her, which is what we now call a fictive kinship placement.

After her experience as a former foster youth, Frances knows the importance of fair treatment in foster care.

Frances works hard to give kids the amazing lives they deserve because she can relate to their experiences and hardships. In the past, she has dealt with caregivers who did not treat her fairly. 

“I know what it is for a foster parent to drink bottled water and tell you go to the sink and get water,” Frances recalled. “I know what it is for you to eat certain food and tell that child go get a can of food. I know what it feels like.” 

Caring for youth in need

Frances wasn’t new to the concept of opening her home to children in need before she became a foster parent. Frances was a young adult in Brooklyn, New York during the 1980s crack epidemic. She witnessed many people struggling to take care of their children properly. 

“My doors was always open, and I used to tell the young ladies in the area, ‘Look, don’t throw that child away. Bring that child to my house, I’ll take care of them,’” she said. “At the end of the day, I’ve always been a neighborhood mom.”

Reflecting on her experiences, Frances shares what it means to be a foster parent and believes that youth who have experienced foster care deserve and need love. All kids in foster care have different experiences. Some of them have experienced pain that some adults couldn’t even fathom. 

Frances believes that a foster parent must accept kids as they are and support them in any way possible. Potential foster parents sometimes get caught up in what they see on paper. Frances believes that welcoming the child into your home and getting to know them makes everything worth it. 

“Once that child comes into your home, and you take care of that child, you’d be surprised,” Frances said. “I encourage everyone to become a foster parent because we have kids that need each and every one of us.”

The journey from foster care to adoption

Oftentimes, siblings in foster care are separated. Frances knows the importance of keeping siblings in foster care together and takes pride in accepting large sibling groups into her home. 

She has gone above and beyond by recently adopting two young brothers, Jaylen and Jahmir, whom she was fostering. Frances says it was important for her to keep the boys together, not just because the boys are family, but because they influence each other as they grow. 

The Martinos’ journey from foster care to adoption was unique. Frances was the second foster parent to adopt Jaylen and Jahmir.

Frances had to wait for their previous guardian to give up her rights over the boys. Unfortunately, the first adoption was disrupted and the boys returned to foster care. The boys stayed at a shelter for foster youth while a foster home was located. They later entered Frances’ home as a foster care placement and have been with her ever since.

One of the first things Frances did after the adoption was finalized, was to take the boys on a cruise. The family loves to travel and take part in activities together. 

Since Jaylen and Jahmir entered Frances’ care two years ago, the family members get along splendidly and the love the boys have for their mother is evident. Frances, also known as the “Neighborhood Mom”, told us that Jaylen and Jahmir had a positive impact on her life as well.

“I would just be in my room. Go to work, come home, take a shower, go to bed. No life,” she laughed. “They brought the life to me.”

Foster Parenting with Cayuga Centers

You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect foster parent. Your unique background, knowledge, and skills might be exactly what a child needs. All you really need is an open heart and mind, and the willingness to give a short or longer-term home to a child who deserves a better future. Right now, there is a high number of children and youth who need a stable home in order to lead a healthy life.

Seeking diverse homes in Upstate New York, New York City, Pittsburgh, Delaware, and South Florida.

cayuga corner

Providing resources and support for your foster parent journey.

My family member is in foster care. What do I do? 

My family member is in foster care. What do I do? 

You recently learned that a family member (sibling, niece, nephew, cousin or grandchild) has entered foster care. Emotions and questions will flood your heart and mind.  Why is my nephew in foster care? Where is the child now? Can I see them? Are they ok? You...

read more
What happens to youth in foster care when they turn 18?

What happens to youth in foster care when they turn 18?

Picture one of your favorite young people. They have made it through high school, learned to drive, and have been surrounded by family and friends as they graduated. You share excitement and advice about their next steps, like college, internships, or gap year travel....

read more
An open heart and home: Eric’s foster parent story

An open heart and home: Eric’s foster parent story

We recently had the privilege to speak with Eric, one of our fictive kin foster parents, who shared his heartfelt experience. His story beautifully illustrates the profound difference a quality foster home can make, not only in the lives of youth in need but also in...

read more
Cooking up connections: Engaging with youth through food

Cooking up connections: Engaging with youth through food

Food is an essential fuel for nurturing stronger bonds between caretakers and youth One of the key responsibilities of a foster parent is creating a safe, nurturing environment where foster youth can heal and feel secure. But, transitioning to a new home can be a...

read more

follow us on instagram

Save the Date! 📣 This #GivingTuesday, our theme is “Touching Lives”, celebrating the over 17,000 lives the organization has touched through its programs in the past year. We invite you to make a meaningful difference by contributing to our cause. Your donation, no matter the amount, will empower individuals and families, helping them find stability, resilience and a brighter future. Your support can create lasting change and enable us to reach even more lives in need. Visit the link in our bio on December 3rd - or get a head start and donate today.
On Veterans Day, we honor the remarkable American heroes who have given so much for the advancement of our country. Their bravery and commitment serve as a powerful reminder that, no matter our origins or appearances, every one of us has the ability to make a meaningful difference.

stay informed

Four Female and One Male Standing Outside Next To a Get Tested for Covid-19 Sign

News

We have a lot going on at Cayuga Centers.
Keep up to date with our latest news and press releases.

Read Current News →