Arden Shore

Long-time foster parent, Bill and Bonnie Shirato, have given their lives to the care of abused and neglected children. They provide the love and daily care that is necessary, advocate on behalf of their children at court, and work to build good relationship with the biological parents.

In 2007 they started with Arden Shore and they currently have 1 foster child. Two brothers were also in their care until recently when they returned home to their biological parents. The transition back home was smooth, thanks in part, to the Schirato’s ability to open themselves up to both the biological parents and the children.

The Shirato’s, along with other foster parents at Arden Shore, have also set up an informal support network amongst themselves so they can help each other with the various struggles involved with foster parenting. Mr. Schirato has made a further commitment to share his skills and knowledge by becoming a foster parent trainer for PRIDE, the mandatory training for potential foster parents in Lake County. They also contributed to Arden Shore’s award winning Foster Parent Law Implementation Plan for DCFS. The plan that establishes how Arden Shore respects the rights and enforces the responsibilities of foster parents, as well as how foster parents are educated on these rights and responsibilities.

For a lifetime of dedication to children in need, Bill and Bonnie Schirato received Arden Shore’s 2009 Foster Parents of the Year Award. The Schirato’s are more than foster parents, more than mentors, they are role models, not just for foster parents, but for all of us.



Winners of Arden Shore’s Foster Parent of the Year



2009 Jose and Petra Olvera

2008 Bill and Bonnie Shirato

2007 Paula Martinez and Gonzalo Romero

2006 Debbie and Mike Scholl

2005 Joe and Gail Sims

2004 Cynthia Taylor

2003 Mary Jane Biggs-Swain

2002 Cynthia Tyrone

2001 Shranda Cobb

Arden Shore Child and Family Services

329 North Genesee Street
Waukegan, Illinois 60085

ph: (847) 623-1730
fax: (847) 623-1733

© 2011 Arden Shore Child and Family Services. All rights Reserved.