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

Agency Contact and Orientation Information

Information Meetings held at:

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

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.