DURHAM, N.C. -- Foster parents throughout Durham were honored by a banquet and a dinner on Thursday evening. Organizers said the event, which was held at the Duke University Searle Center, was a chance to say thanks, and the chance for foster parents to network and compare notes.

 

The Darby family in Durham has three adopted children. They say now, even the simplest things are outright signs of love. "For me, it's kind of like jumping in with both feet," said Ted Darby, the kids' adoptive dad. "We didn't start with one who was a new born, we started with three," he said.

 

The Darbys have been adoptive parents for more than a year. It started with a desire to be foster parents after the couple learned having kids was not an option.

 

"It gives them home, and it gives me hope, that their future is going to be brighter," said Terri Anne Darby, the kids' adoptive mother. "We can give them tools they need for their future, but ultimately it'll be up to them," she said.

 

"I think most of it is good environment, and having a home and not having an opportunity to get in trouble," said the kids' father.

 

Officials hope the Darby's example will get others on board. Right now, there are about 250 children who need foster care, and about 100 homes.

 

The Darby's say they finally understood the need for foster parents once they got the go-ahead themselves. Within a matter of hours, they received the call that built their family, and changed their lives.