Hi, my name is Bernadette, and I want to 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
Adoption Rhode Island
Bernadette A. Hicks
(401) 724-1910
bhicks916@aol.com
Para información en español, contacte:
Everin Perez
(401) 351-5000
everin@ulri.org
Licensing Requirements for Foster or Adoption
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.
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 Pawtucket and North Kingstown. Please call us for more information at (401) 724-1910.
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 ten 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.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Parent Support Groups
Adoption Rhode Island
500 Prospect Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 724-1910
Casey Family Services
1268 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02905
(401) 781-3669
Children’s Friend and Service
153 Summer Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 276-4300
Family Resources
245 Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
RI Foster Parent Association
55 Brow Street
East Providence, RI 02914
(401) 438-3900
Agency Contact and Orientation Information
Information Meetings held at:
Adoption Rhode Island, Wing B
500 Prospect Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
April 22, 2008
May 21, 2008
June 17, 2008
July 16, 2008
August 12, 2008
September 17, 2008
October 14, 2008
November 19, 2008
December 16, 2008
Department of Children Youth and Families
650 Ten Road Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
April 30, 2008
May 28, 2008
June 25, 2008
July 30, 2008
August 27, 2008
September 24, 2008
October 14, 2008
November – to be announced
December- to be announced
Agency Contact Information by type:
Foster Care Training, Kinship Care Training and Adoption Preparation
Department of Children Youth and Families
Children ages birth to eighteen
101 Friendship Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 528-3700
Private/ Therapeutic Foster Care Agencies
Casey Family Services
Children ages five to eighteen
1268 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 781-3669
Children’s Friend and Service
Children ages birth to six
153 Summer Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 276-4300
Communities for People
Children ages twelve to eighteen
623 Atwells Avenue
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 273-7103
Community Care Services
Children ages birth to eighteen
626 Park Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
(401) 785-0778
Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care
Children ages birth to eighteen
501 Centerville Road, Suite 102
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 734-9680
Family Resources
Children ages birth to eighteen
245 Main Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 766-0900
Family Services of Rhode Island
Children ages six to eighteen
134 Thurbers Avenue
Providence, RI 02905
(401) 331-1350
Girls and Boys Town of New England
Children ages two to eighteen
31A Kings Charles Drive
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-9870
Groden Center
Children ages three to eighteen
610 Manton Avenue
Providence, RI 02909
(401) 274-6310
Rhode Island Mentor
Children ages birth to eighteen
2212 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 739-7009 - Warwick
(401) 725-8969 – Pawtucket
North American Family Institute
Children ages ten to eighteen
789 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 739-7009
Phoenix Homes
Children ages birth to eighteen
2348 Post Road, Suite 10
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 732-5500
St. Mary’s Home for Children
420 Fruit Hill Avenue
North Providence, RI 02911
(401) 353-3900
Urban League of Rhode Island
Children Ages birth to eighteen
246 Prairie Avenue
Providence, RI 02905
(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
101 Friendship Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 528-3799
Maureen Robbins
Adoption Rhode Island
500 Prospect Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 724-1910
Upcoming Events
Annual Winter Training Series
Thursday Evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Held at: Children’s Friend and Service
153 Summer Street
Providence, RI 02903
Topics and Dates: Call Ardell Brackley or Michelle Hirst at (401) 276-4300.
Even if you can not attend all the trainings on a topic, you are welcome to come to the ones that you can make. A light dinner will be provided. Child care will be available during the training.
RSVP to Ardell Brackley or Michelle Hirst at (401) 276-4300.
Dessert and Discussion Series
For future information, contact Raquel at (401) 781-3669.
The Adoption and Foster Care Certificate Program
Birth Families: Their Presence in Adoption and Foster Care
Topics covered include understanding the dynamics of contact between birth, foster and adoptive parents, the predictable challenges faced in open adoptions, the impact of secrecy in adoption and foster care and guidelines for successful open adoptions.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 from 8:45 a. m. to 4 p. m.; cost $90.00; 6 continuing Ed Hours
Held at: Rhode Island College – Alger, Room 110
600 Mt Pleasant Avenue
Providence RI 02908
Call us and we will provide the contact information for this program.