Tuesday, interested parties will have an opportunity to learn more about adding another Valentine to their family.

The Dallas County Department of Human Resources will host a special program Feb. 14 where applications for potential foster and adoption parents will be accepted.

DHR representative Andrea Dudley said the program, which begins at 6 p.m., would not interfere with Valentine’s Day plans.

“It’s not going to be long, we don’t want to keep anyone from their candlelight dinners,” she said. “It’s just a chance to meet other parents and get people together who have the same interests in fostering and adopting. We can also answer any questions they might have about becoming foster and adoptive parents.”

Becoming a foster parent, Dudley said, is not necessarily a long-term commitment. Sometimes children might need a place to stay for only a short period of time.

“Even if it’s just for a day, a weekend or a week, the seeds that are sown in that time can make a huge difference in the life of a foster child,” she said. “For the children, it’s never forgotten. Those children become a member of that family throughout their lives. It’s a huge need in this area.”