Three Virtual Informational Sessions and 10-Week Hybrid Class Forming for Individuals Interested in Becoming Foster Parents
There continues to be a pressing need for foster families in Connecticut, and Wheeler is hosting three virtual informational sessions and a 10-week online and in-person (hybrid) course for individuals interested in fostering a child or youth.
INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS:
Three one-hour virtual informational sessions that provide an overview of the need in Connecticut and the foster parent process with Wheeler will be held on:
- July 22, 2021, at 7 pm
- August 16, 2021, at 7 pm
- September 2, 2021, at 7 pm
Meeting sign-in credentials are available at WheelerHealth.org/Journey.
TIPS-MAPP 10-WEEK COURSE:
Wheeler also is offering a 10-week online and in-person (hybrid) course called TIPS-MAPP, Trauma-Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence – Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting, to prepare prospective foster parents and families for the role of fostering a child or youth. Classes start with a mandatory orientation session on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, and continue through November 15, 2021.
TIPS-MAPP is delivered by Wheeler’s dedicated, caring team of specialists, social workers, and clinicians who work closely with foster families from the start and continue as supportive teammates throughout the fostering process.
TIPS-MAPP Course Schedule:
Pre-registration by September 1, 2021 is required by contacting Wheeler’s Foster Care team.
September 7
(In-person) Mandatory Orientation, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
September 13
Virtual Session via Zoom, 6 – 8:30 pm, Welcome: About Our Program
September 20
(In-person) 6 – 9 pm, A Foster Care & Adoption Experience
September 27
(In-person) 6 – 8:30 pm, Losses & Gains
October 4
Virtual Session via Zoom, 6 – 8 pm, Helping Children with Attachments
October 11
Virtual Session via Zoom, 6 – 8 pm, Healthy Behaviors
October 18
(In-person) 6 – 8 pm, Helping Children with Birth Family
October 25
(In-person) 6 – 8:30 pm, Helping Children Leave Foster Care
November 1
Virtual Session via Zoom, 6 – 8 pm, The Impact of Fostering & Adopting
November 8
Virtual Session via Zoom, 6 – 8 pm, Perspectives in Fostering/Adoption
November 15
(In-person) 6 – 9 pm, Endings & Beginnings
The program is open to prospective parents from all walks of life. Participants can be married, single, or part of a domestic partnership. Â They can own or rent their homes. Parenting experience is a plus but not required.
Individuals who attend the informational sessions and/or 10-week course are under no obligation to become licensed foster parents.
To register for Wheeler’s TIPS-MAPP course, or learn more about the upcoming informational sessions, contact Wheeler’s Foster Care Specialists, Michelle Martins at 860.707.5068, or Allison Casinghino at 860.637.5586, or send an email to Fostercareprograms@wheelerclinic.org. Pre-registration and an application process are required, and the registration deadline is September 1, 2021.
About Wheeler’s Foster Care Programs
Wheeler’s Foster Care programs, funded by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, provide 24-hour support to families and youth. Wheeler’s programs provide a higher level of care and resources, including supports to meet the needs of children and youth and help them heal from abuse, neglect, trauma, and more.
For information about Wheeler Foster Care opportunities, call 860.793.7277, email Fostercareprograms@wheelerclinic.org or visit www.WheelerHealth.org/Foster
About Wheeler
Wheeler provides comprehensive solutions that address complex health issues, providing individuals, families, and communities with accessible, innovative care that encourages health, recovery, and growth at all stages of life. Our integrated approach to primary and behavioral health, education, and recovery creates measurable results, positive outcomes, and hopeful tomorrows for more than 50,000 individuals across Connecticut each year. Learn more: www.WheelerHealth.org