LAPD encourages public to become foster, adoptive parents

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Officer Deandre James grew up in Los Angeles County's foster care system. On Wednesday, he took part in a presentation at the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters in downtown Los Angeles encouraging officers and civilians to become foster or adoptive parents.

"I was given a chance through the foster system to do something great and be here," James said.

Other officers spoke about how they became adoptive parents with help from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

Officer Julie Munson and her husband, Det. Victor McDowell, adopted a son nine years ago. She spent four years organizing Monday's event.

"What it did for me was I understood (what) the rest of everybody else was so happy about. It took me from a place of being on the outside of life to being on the inside," Munson said.

"If nothing else goes right the rest of my life, I know that this went right. He's my son forever," Munson said.

Other panelists included Tawanesha Burgess, a former foster child who was eventually adopted.

"I not only learned how to let someone love me, but I also learned how to love someone else and see them as my parents," Burgess said.

Department of Children and Family Services officials were on hand to answer questions about the fostering and adoption process.

"You can be a hero too. You don't have to be a member of the LAPD to do something that will change a youth's life forever," said Neil Zanville with the Department of Children and Family Services.

Anyone looking for additional information may call the Department of Children and Family Services at (888) 811-1121