FOSTER PARENTING AND SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTION THROUGH CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

INQUIRY

People who are interested in becoming a licensed foster or adoptive parent should contact the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF)

ONGOING SUPPORT

Ongoing support is provided to foster or adoptive parents through the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents, Inc. (CAFAP). Support includes:

• Buddy System – Peer support program that pairs newly licensed families with experienced foster or adoptive parents.
• Area Support Liaisons - Liaisons are available to help families with any questions or problems they may have regarding foster or adoptive care issues.
• Helpline – 24 hour phone line to help foster and adoptive parents who need to talk about their experiences and help with problem solving.
• Support groups are held all over the state on a regular basis. Types of groups include Foster/Adoptive Parents, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Spanish Speaking Foster/Adoptive Parents, LGBT Foster Parents, Relative Care Provider, Waiting Families, Complex Medical Needs and more.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service names:
Foster Parent/Family Recruitment
Adoptive Family Recruitment
Adoption and Foster/Kinship Care Support Groups *Adoptive Parents
Adoption and Foster/Kinship Care Support Groups *Foster Parents

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SOURCE: Connecticut Department of Children and Families
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2012