May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month, and the Connecticut Department of Children and Families is encouraging LGBTQ couples to consider fostering and adopting children who need homes.

Robert Rickard, of the Bridgeport Department of Children and Families, says the new initiative comes in the wake of states like Oklahoma and Kansas passing legislation that could restrict some LGBTQ adoptions.

Rickard for two years fostered Theo, a teen whose previous adoption had been disrupted. He says parents get as much out of the foster relationship as the kids do.

"There's nothing like having a child in your life that loves you, and that you value," he says. "It's been an exciting journey, and we hope to have more memories to come."

Anyone interested in adoption or fostering can call 1-888-KID-HERO or visit the Children and Youth in Placement website for more details.