RIFPA'S FOSTERING FUTURES VIDEO

The mission of the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association is to provide education and other forms of support to families that provide substitute care, and to the community at large, in order to further the cause of children who cannot live with their parents.

As a resource for foster families, the RIFPA emphasizes the importance of learning from experience and using new found knowledge to improve current practice.

We at the RIFPA recognize that each foster family is unique and has many diverse and special needs. The financial assistance we provide through the Enrichment Fund and Teen Grants ensures that no child will be left behind when it comes to participating in valuable life experiences. Our Life Skills Program prepares adolescents in foster care for the challenges of independent living. Our Real Connections program collaborates with DCYF and community agencies to identify adult connections for teens who are vulnerable to “aging out” of state care without positive, consistent adults to rely on. The ASPIRE initiative for teens helps youth in foster care get on the path to economic self sufficiency through financial literacy training, assistance in accessing employment and education services, and support in saving toward a purchase goal. We also offer regional support for foster parents. Among all the services we provide to foster families, perhaps none is more appreciated than having an experienced foster parent always a phone call away to provide mentoring to other foster parents in need of immediate support. That's what our New Foster Parent Mentor Program is all about!

The RIFPA identifies and addresses the gaps that separate state agencies, foster families and children in need of care. Our Board of Directors, staff and volunteers have made a solid commitment to the many dedicated foster parents who perform such valuable public service. Together, we strive to ensure that all children in substitute care achieve their fullest potential in safe and nurturing environments.