Foster Parent Support Groups

Beginning in January 2004, the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association launches an inclusive statewide model for foster parent support groups. ALL current foster parents in Rhode Island will be encouraged to attend. Five (5) regional support groups will be established in the Northern, Southern, East Bay, West Bay and Capital City areas of the state. The groups will be scheduled to meet on a quarterly basis, at a free and easily accessible site in the central most location of each region. Meetings will be scheduled to run for two hours on a designated weeknight and will include dinner accommodations. Site selection, menu choices and other meeting details will reflect the needs and preferences of a culturally diverse population of foster parents. Modest child care stipends will be offered as an incentive to accommodate the needs of foster families and improve attendance among families who would otherwise be unable to attend.

The meeting dates and times will be featured in the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association monthly newsletter Fostering Futures and posted on our website. A quarterly postcard reminder of upcoming meeting dates, times and locations will be forwarded to all foster parents according to regional zip codes. Additional outreach will be coordinated with providers that support families engaged in specialized foster care so that they will be afforded an opportunity to participate. Mentor families will encourage the families who they work with to attend. Finally, we work in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families to ensure that prospective foster parents are informed about the support group meetings during their orientation and in subsequent training sessions.

For more information about the Foster Parent Support Groups contact:

Lisa Guillette
Executive Director
401.438.3900