DHS recognizes the 2026 Foster Caregiver of the Year award winners

Each May, the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) joins the nation in recognizing National Foster Care Month, a time to celebrate Georgia's foster caregivers and their daily commitment to providing safe, loving homes for children in foster care. We also use this time to raise awareness for the urgent need for additional caregivers statewide. 

Annually during National Foster Care Month, DFCS’s Caregiver Recruitment and Retention Unit recognizes a Foster Caregiver of the Year award winner from each of the 14 DFCS regions across the state. The Foster Caregiver of the Year award honors foster caregivers and families who go above and beyond to ensure children are seen, valued, and supported.  

Congratulations to the 2026 Foster Caregiver of the Year award winners:  

Region 1: Shundra Smith 

Shundra’s journey as a caregiver started three and a half years ago when she became a kinship caregiver for her granddaughter. After she adopted her granddaughter, Shundra chose to keep her home open to continue supporting children and youth in care. Since she made that decision, she has fostered 17 children. Region 1 describes Shundra as being the “heartbeat of the local foster care community.” She prioritizes maintaining relationships with birth families, continues to support families after reunification, and helps recruit new foster parents throughout the region. Shundra also serves as the president of the local foster parent association where she helps other caregivers in the community feel supported. When asked about her time as a foster caregiver, Shundra shared, “fostering is the most rewarding experience I have ever had. It allows me to invest in children and watch them flourish. I am able to show them what love feels like, and in return, I receive that love back from them.”   

Region 2: Johnny and Linda Ramey 

The Rameys became foster caregivers in 2012, but their commitment to caring for children started long before. Prior to becoming caregivers, they adopted two children and had custody of another child. Over the past 14 years, they’ve fostered over 140 children and adopted two additional children. The Rameys are committed to building a home centered on love, stability, and second chances, and they are dedicated to keeping sibling groups together whenever possible. The Rameys are strong advocates for reunification and believe that fostering goes far beyond temporary placement. They remain actively involved in the lives of the children placed within their home, even after reunification. When asked about fostering, the Rameys stated, “every child deserves to feel loved, celebrated, and believed in, and we’re honored to be a part of their story.” They showcase this statement in the way they support the children in their home, encouraging educational efforts and creating special experiences for every birthday and holiday. 

Region 3: Carol High 

Carol High became a foster caregiver in 2002, but her commitment to caring for children started long before. Prior to becoming a caregiver, Carol came from a long line of family members who were foster parents including her grandmother, aunt, and cousin. During her 24 years as a caregiver, Carol has fostered 21 children and adopted three. She is committed to providing love and stability for each child, ensuring they are supported as their families work toward reunification or as other permanency plans are established. Region 3 shared that, “Carol is an inspiration to all who meet her.” 

Region 4: Sheria Burns 

Sheria Burns became a foster caregiver in 2023, and in the past three years, she has fostered 34 children and assisted in reunifying three families. She provides a stable, loving home for children of all ages. She advocates for every child, strives to maintain family bonds, and ensures every child has access to the support services they need. Sheria also dedicates her time to strengthening the foster parent community in Region 4. Because of her efforts, in-person foster parent meetings have been reestablished within her county. Region 4 shared that, “Sheria is a valued resource, not only for the children in her care, but for her fellow foster parents as well.” 

Region 5: Steven and Jessica Dufur 

Since becoming caregivers in 2016, Steven and Jessica Dufur have fostered over 40 children and adopted four, soon to be six. The Dufurs have opened their home and hearts to children of all ages, providing them stability, support, and care. When asked about their time fostering, they said, “behind every child is a deep need to be seen, known, and loved,” and the Dufurs make sure that every child placed in their home feels exactly that. They are strong advocates for reunification and believe deeply in preserving and strengthening family connections. The Dufurs shared that their goal is always “to meet children and families exactly where they are – with compassion, without judgement, and with hope for what is possible.” They encourage those interested in becoming a caregiver to step into it with an open heart and a willingness to learn, sharing that, “it might just change your life as much as it changes theirs.”   

Region 6: Mary Greene 

Mary is entering her 13th year as a caregiver, and since 2013, she has fostered 57 children and adopted eight. With her background as a certified nursing assistant, she is equipped and dedicated to providing care for medically fragile children. Mary prioritizes relationships with the families of children placed in her home, serving as a great example of what it means to be a partnership parent. When asked about Mary, Region 6 said, “Mary plays a very important role; we need more caregivers like her.” 

Region 7: LaKeshia Burns 

LaKeshia became a foster caregiver seven and a half years ago. Since then, she has fostered over 31 children and adopted three. LaKeshia provides a safe and loving home for every child until they are successfully reunified or find their forever home through adoption. She supports the extracurricular activities of every child, whether they’re running track and field, cheering, singing, or dancing, LaKeshia is there to cheer them on. When asked about fostering, she said, “caregiving isn’t just about helping others; it’s about showing up with compassion, patience, and heart.” 

Region 8: Trenton and Samantha Walker 

Since receiving their first placement in 2021, Trenton and Samantha Walker have fostered 41 children. The Walkers are dedicated to providing exceptional care for the children placed in their home, advocating for the education and emotional needs of each child. They also work hard to prioritize relationships with parents and families, encouraging reunification efforts. One example of their partnership parenting efforts is when they offered a parent access to their rental property to help support their path to stability. This act played a critical role in helping the family successfully reunify. 

Region 9: Wendy Simcox 

Wendy has been a foster caregiver for over 11 years. During this time, she has fostered 11 children, assisted in reunifying three families, and adopted two – soon to be three – children. Wendy’s deep commitment to providing stable, loving homes for children serves as an inspiration to her community -- one many families have followed by becoming foster caregivers themselves. When asked about Wendy, Region 9 said, “Her passion for children extends into every aspect of her life. Wendy truly embodies the meaning of ‘Foster Caregiver of the Year’ through her selflessness, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of children and families.”   

Region 10: Timothy and Rhonda Jenkins  

Timothy and Rhonda Jenkins have been foster caregivers for almost 30 years, and during that time they’ve fostered over 75 children. The Jenkins family is a great example of partnership parenting, as they prioritize relationships and mentorship opportunities with the families of every child. They are dedicated to ensuring the medical and educational needs of every child placed in their care are prioritized daily, and they ensure all children receive the services they need timely. When asked about what they’d say to those considering fostering the Jenkins family said, “You will never regret the time spent, the progress you see the children make, or the love and memories you create together.”   

Region 11: Shannon Stephens  

Since 2023, Shannon Stephens has served as a foster caregiver, providing a loving and caring home for 35 youth in care. Shannon is committed to mentoring and supporting the children placed in his care. His impact extends far beyond providing a loving home, and he personally invests in the future of every child. Shannon’s advocacy for reunification, mentorship of teens, and constant support for every child is commendable. When asked about fostering, Shannon shared, “what a joy it is to see a child develop and realize that they have so many opportunities in the world.” 

Region 12: Patricia Bowers 

Patricia Bowers became a foster parent in 1986. During her 40 years as a foster caregiver, she has fostered over 100 children and adopted five, soon to be six. Patricia’s life of service was inspired by her godmother, a woman who showed her that a home is only as big as the heart behind the door. Patricia provides safety and support for every child. She has always emphasized education, ensuring the youth in her home stay in school and pursue either employment, a trade, or college after high school graduation. She remains actively involved in their success, often driving them to work, school, appointments, and activities to make sure they stay on track to achieve their goals. Region 12 shared that Patricia’s commitment to children in care “is personal, lifelong, and rooted in unconditional love.” Perhaps the greatest testament to her impact is that her very first placement, who is now 50 years old, still checks on her regularly. Their continued relationship speaks volumes about the love, stability, and lasting connection she has provided so many children throughout her life. 

Region 13: Dajon Jackson 

Since becoming a foster caregiver in 2019, Dajon has fostered over 30 children and adopted four. Dajon is a strong advocate for every child placed in his home. He works closely with service providers and attends all school functions, events, and meetings to ensure every child feels seen and supported. When asked about Dajon, Region 13 shared, “we have personally witnessed his patience, compassion, dedication, and  advocacy toward the children placed in his care; he is the biggest cheerleader for their dreams and endeavors.” Dajon prioritizes reunification efforts with children’s families, building rapport, organizing visits, and including families in decision making. Dajon is a positive example for other caregivers and frequently shares his knowledge and experience during caregiver recruitment efforts. When asked about fostering, Dajon said, “My kids have brought incredible positivity into my life; I feel whole and complete in my chosen family.” 

Region 14: Phillip and Elizabeth Klein  

The Kleins have been foster caregivers for 21 years, providing love and support for 76 children in care and 3 adopted children. The Kleins provide care for medically fragile children, advocate for the needs of every child, and ensure proper support services are available so that each child can thrive. They are great partners to DFCS, supporting new case managers and coordinating support for other families. When asked what they’d say to someone considering fostering, the Kleins shared, “One home can change everything, and one person can make a difference in a child’s life. Now is the time to take the next step.” 

DFCS is incredibly thankful for the dedication and support displayed by these caregivers and all of our foster caregivers across Georgia. Our state could not thrive without the partnership from our foster caregivers and families and their commitment to keeping Georgia’s children safe.  

On May 27, 2026, we held a virtual Foster Caregiver of the Year celebration to recognize National Foster Care Month and our 2026 Foster Caregivers of the Year. If you missed this event, you can watch the recording on our YouTube channel.  

In Georgia, caregivers are urgently needed for teens, sibling groups, and children with complex needs. If you’re interested in learning more about Georgia’s foster care system or how to become a caregiver, visit fostergeorgia.com or call 1-877-210-KIDS (5437).  

Related to: 

• Division of Family & Children Services