Montana Woman Retires After Serving As Foster Parent To Over 300 Children

Two families will be honored tomorrow, April 19, at the Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference in Missoula for working to help Montana’s Foster Children. Child and Family Services Critical Incident Manager Laura McCullogh nominated Yuvanne Turney from Dillon for her 30 years of service.

“I had previously been a worker, as well as a supervisor, at the Dillon area,” said McCullogh. “I had the opportunity to work with Yuvanne for several years in the capacity for being a foster parent. During my time there in both roles, she’s been a wonderful asset to our community and even outlying communities as far as placing of children.”

Turney opened her door to hundreds of foster kids. When asked how many foster parents in Montana do the same, McCullogh said every door that’s open to even just one child is important.

“What I can say is foster parents serve a very special role," McCullogh. "Whether they’re working with one child or in Yuvanne’s case, over 300 children, they make a difference to that child and it is important for our children in the state of Montana."

Helena’s Ben and Lena Havron will also be honored as this year’s co-Foster Parents of the Year. The Havrons were nominated by Charlie Heil, who has lived with the Helena family as a foster child for the past couple years.