Model Father Honored for 24 Years of Caring for Foster Children

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih visited Chen Ying-hsing, who has been recognized as a model father for his 24 years of dedication to fostering children. Chen and his wife, Liu Hsien-chen, have provided a home for 16 children who lost their parents or guardians.

Hou praised Chen as "the warmest father," commending his transformation of personal experience into profound compassion. Chen, 67, and his wife, along with their own two children and grandmother, welcomed foster children into their home. This commitment began 24 years ago, inspired by Chen's own childhood memories of living with relatives, a difficult experience that instilled in him a deep understanding of the insecurity faced by children in temporary care.

One particular boy Chen cared for over five years developed a father-son bond, with the boy and Chen's own son becoming like brothers. Even after the boy was moved to a children's home in central Taiwan, Chen continued to visit him for six years, taking his family along for weekend outings.

Since retiring from his career, Chen has become a full-time "house husband." In addition to managing household chores like grocery shopping and cooking, he dedicates significant time and energy to the foster children. Currently, he and his wife are caring for a child with brain injuries affecting speech and motor skills. They demonstrate immense patience with the child, who has weak legs and cannot verbally express needs.

Mayor Hou presented Chen with gifts, including a neck and shoulder massager and soft building blocks, suggesting they would help him relax and enjoy playtime with the children. Chen and his family are invited to a model father award ceremony at the city hall on July 26 to receive recognition from the city.

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He is the warmest father. He uses his own experience to extend his love to others, transforming small love into great love, which is admirable.