LA PLATA, Md. -- On Tuesday, July 10, the Charles County Commissioners recognized Harriette Julian as Charles County's 2012 Foster Parent of the Year, an annual honor presented by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

For three years, Ms. Julian has accepted both emergency and long-term foster care placements from the Charles County Department of Social Services. She is honored for her service to teenage youth. She encourages young people to think ahead and teaches them to set goals for themselves. She accomplishes this by helping them gain the skills and confidence necessary to achieve these goals.

"I'd like to thank Ms. Julian for her dedication and commitment to the foster children of Charles County," said President Commissioner Kelly. "It is people like Ms. Julian who change lives."

Ms. Julian was also recognized at a regional gala for all outstanding foster parents in the National Capital Region, held on June 9 at the Grand Hyatt Washington in the District of Columbia where Commissioner President Kelly, presented the award.