Sen. Tim Scott asks Congress to recognize Upstate foster dad who has helped 19 children

GREENWOOD, SC (FOX Carolina) –

Senator Tim Scott is asking for an Upstate man who has been an exemplary foster parent to be recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record.

Dan Walters of Greenwood earned the 2018 Angels in Adoption reward after his service for children in the foster care system. Walters has fostered 15 children, provided long-term care for three children and adopted a child.

“He truly has made an incredible difference in the lives of many foster youth,” Sen. Scott said.

In addition to his commitment as a foster parent, Walters is also a deacon at Connie Maxwell Baptist Church and owns a property management business. He has worked at the Connie Maxwell Children’s Home.

Scott has requested the following tribute be added to the Congressional Record: 

TRIBUTE TO DAN WALTERS

Mr. SCOTT.  Mr. President, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Dan Walters of Greenwood, SC, for his dedication and willingness to provide children without families a home of love and support for over 15 years and congratulate him on receiving the 2018 Angels in Adoption award.

Mr. Walters has truly opened up his heart and home through his exceptional service for children in the foster care system. Since entering the foster care program, Mr. Walters has fostered 15 children, provided long-term care for three children, and also adopted one child. I had the pleasure of working with one of those children through my internship program, and he credits Mr. Walters for giving him a “second chance at life.” He truly has made an incredible difference in the lives of many foster youth.

Aside from being a foster parent, Mr. Walters is also an engaged member of the community as a businessowner, active Rotarian, and deacon at Connie Maxwell Baptist Church.

Mr. Walters is an outstanding example of a foster parent, and I applaud him on his continued commitment and compassion towards helping foster care children. He truly has been an “angel in adoption,” and I congratulate him on this special recognition.

Walters was shocked to receive the award and he said fostering has been an unforgettable journey filled with love, lessons and fear. 

“At first I felt very blessed and I felt very scared wondering if I could do this or not,” Walters said.

He pushed through the doubts and at times he said he felt he had no choice.

“I can’t stand to see a child hurting,” Walters said. “It’s very hard for me to see or even imagine a child growing up without parental support. I was able to be a father to fatherless children.”