Child Crisis Arizona is honored that foster and adoptive parent Denise Bressette received special recognition by the Arizona Child Safety and Family Empowerment Council on January 10, 2019. For 32 years, Denise has provided a loving home for more than 60 children placed in her care through Child Crisis Arizona with referrals from the Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Child Safety.
Denise demonstrates an exemplary level of commitment to each child in her care, and continues to do so long after. She builds positive relationships with all of the individuals involved in a foster placement, to make sure that all of the foster children’s needs are addressed. Her patience as a caregiver is evidenced by her ability to effectively manage any challenging behaviors and special needs. She is an advocate for those in her care to receive appropriate and effective behavioral health and educational services. Denise works cooperatively with all child welfare professionals. She develops positive relationships with birth parents and is supportive and collaborative during the reunification process. For children in her care who transition into adoptive homes, she provides valuable guidance and support to ease the process, and stays involved often as a grandmotherly figure.
Of the 60 children she has fostered, she has legally adopted five of them. Two are intellectually disabled and continue to live with her as adults.
Child Crisis Arizona believes Denise Bressette is a shining example of the ripple effects that one person’s actions can have on keeping children safe, families strong, and the community committed to helping those who need it the most. Her continued dedication to as a caregiver, advocate, friend, and parent, has changed children’s lives, many of whom are now adults, and look to Denise for inspiration.
