Meet the DSS: Samantha Fuhrman, New York
In case you missed our previous Social Services Director spotlights, check them out here and get acquainted with the AW staff in your state! Today, meet Samantha Fuhrman from New York.
Samantha and her husband have three children under the age of 4, and when she has a rare spare moment, she enjoys reading blogs and books about theology, adoption, food, home decorating, do-it-yourself projects and cuddling with her kids.
God’s calling for everyone to advocate for orphans was part of what led Samantha to become an adoption social worker, and she had always wanted to play a part in caring for orphans. We share her excitement and were glad to have her join our team in 2012!
The most rewarding part of Samantha's job is working with families who are starting the process or waiting and dealing with the issues that come with the unknown. She finds it very rewarding to provide families in this situation with education and support. And of course, seeing families bring home their children is very rewarding.
The New York office is located in Levittown, and Samantha serves families on Long Island and the New York City area. There are also three other social workers (Home Study Coordinators) located throughout New York state to serve families wherever they live.
Her advice to families who are considering adoption is to devote yourselves to prayer and seek support at every stage of the journey. When families are home, her role in the post adoption process is to provide post placement visits and reports for each family, based on their specific country requirements. During these visits it is discussed how the child and family are doing in all areas of life, including bonding and attachment, and outside referrals are provided if counseling or other services are requested.