AdoptUSKids For Workers

Rhode Island Foster Care
and Adoption Guidelines

 

Thank you for your interest in helping the children in the child welfare system. Although this journey is not for everyone, it can be the most rewarding decision you will ever make. The journey can be long and at times frustrating, but we are here to give you support and encouragement along the way for as long as you need or want it.

Contact Information

 

Things You Should Know

 

Foster Care and Adoption Licensing Requirements

 

To start the journey to become a foster parent, an application form must be completed. A packet can be sent to you if you call 401-528-3700 and request one or go to the Adoption Rhode Island website.

To start the journey to becoming an adoptive parent, a rapid response form must be completed. These can be obtained by attending an information meeting. These meetings are held once a month in Providence and North Kingstown. Please call for more information, 401-865-6000.

Once your application for either foster parenting or adoption is received, a background check will be completed and fingerprinting will be processed on all adult applicants. Also, references will be checked and a medical clearance will be sent to your doctor.

When all paper work is received, you will be invited to attend training classes. Classes are mandatory. These classes are held once a week, in the evening, for three hours at a time, and they last for 10 weeks. The classes are offered at several different locations. There will be paper work that will need to be completed during classes. Once classes are completed and all paper work has come back or has been turned in, a homestudy will be written and then you will be licensed.

 

Parent Support Groups

 
  • Adoption Rhode Island
    Address: 2 Bradford Street, Providence, RI 02903
    Phone: 401-865-6000
  • Children’s Friend and Service
    Address: 153 Summer St., Providence, RI 02903
    Phone: 401-276-4300
  • Family Resources
    Address: 245 Main St., Woonsocket, RI 02895
    Phone: 401-766-0900

 

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

 

Information Meetings held at:

  • Adoption Rhode Island
    Address: 2 Bradford St., Providence, RI 02903
    Time: 7 p.m. (see list of dates)
  • The Department of Children Youth and Families
    Address: Quidnessett Baptist Church Library, 6536 Post Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852
    Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month

Agency Contact Information by type:


Foster Care Training, Kinship Care Training and Adoption Preparation

  • Department of Children Youth and Families
    Children ages birth to 18
    Address: 101 Friendship St., Providence, RI 02903
    Phone: 401-528-3700

Private/ Therapeutic Foster Care Agencies

  • Casey Family Services
    Children ages 5 to 18
    Address: 1268 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02903
    Phone: 401-781-3669
  • Children’s Friend and Service
    Children ages birth to 6
    Address: 153 Summer St., Providence, RI 02903
    Phone: 401-276-4300
  • Communities for People
    Children ages 12 to 18
    Address: 623 Atwells Ave., Providence, RI 02903
    Phone: 401-273-7103
  • Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care
    Children ages birth to 18
    Address: 501 Centerville Road, Suite 102, Warwick, RI 02886
    Phone: 401-734-9680
  • Family Resources
    Children ages birth to 18
    Address: 245 Main St., Woonsocket, RI 02895
    Phone: 401-766-0900
  • Family Services of Rhode Island
    Children ages 6 to 18
    Address: 134 Thurbers Ave., Providence, RI 02905
    Phone: 401-331-1350
  • Girls and Boys Town of New England
    Children ages 2 to 18
    Address: 58 Flanagan Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871
    Phone: 401-845-2250
  • Groden Center
    Children ages 3 to 18
    Address: 610 Manton Ave., Providence, RI 02909
    Phone: 401-274-6310
  • Rhode Island Mentor
    Children ages birth to 18
    22 Thurber Blvd., Smithfield, RI 02917
    Phone: 401-231-0739
  • North American Family Institute
    Children ages 10 to 18
    Address: 350 Duncan Drive, Providence, RI 02906
    Phone: 401-351-6728
  • Urban League of Rhode Island
    Children Ages birth to 18
    Address: 246 Prairie Ave., Providence, RI 02905
    Phone: 401-351-5000
 

 

Information on Children

 

There are 2,509 children in foster care in Rhode Island; 382 of these children are waiting for adoptive families.

For more information, contact:

  • The Department of Children Youth and Families
    Contact: Diane Savage
    Address: 101 Friendship St., Providence, RI 02903
    Phone: 401-528-3676

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