Photographed by Ralph Granich
The Smith McDuff Family
The Smith McDuff Family
After Irene and her husband Gregory raised their three children, they felt lonesome without any kids in their home. In 1992, Gregory met a social worker who told him about all the children in foster care that needed families. Soon after, he and Irene became certified foster parents.
Over 95 children have lived in the Smith home in the past 17years. After her husband passed away, Irene continued to care for children. She adopted Nicole in 2004, and became legal guardian to Shawn and Ryan in 1997, who are photographed here with Irene and Kahlio. Kahlio McDuff, now age 15, was placed in Irene’s home when he was five years old. Through the years, they formed an enormous bond. Kahlio feels that Irene changed his life. They have a strong attachment and Kahlio is full of appreciation. Irene supports Kahlio’s birth family relationships and has made great effort to keep their relationships strong. Kahlio adores Irene, and identifies her as the most important adult in his life. Irene became Kahlio’s legal guardian in November 2007.
Irene currently has 10 young people living in her home, and owns another home that emancipated foster youth share who had been in her care as children. She shared, “You don’t throw your family away just because the funding for their care ends.”