Virtual Informational Session and 10-Week Class Forming for Individuals Interested in Becoming Foster Parents
There is a pressing need for foster families in Connecticut, and Wheeler is hosting a virtual informational session and a 10-week virtual course for individuals interested in fostering a child or youth. During this challenging time, especially, individuals and families are considering how to make a meaningful difference.
INFORMATIONAL SESSION:
A one-hour virtual informational session that provides an overview of the need in Connecticut and the foster parent process with Wheeler will be held on April 22, 2021 at 7 pm. Meeting sign-in credentials are available at WheelerHealth.org/Journey.
TIPS-MAPP 10-WEEK COURSE:
Wheeler is offering a 10-week virtual 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 run on Monday evenings from May 10 through July 26, 2021 from 6 pm–8 pm.
TIPS-MAPP is delivered by Wheeler’s dedicated 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: (Classes run from 6-8 pm on Monday evenings). Pre-registration by May 3, 2021 is required by contacting Wheeler’s Foster Care Specialists.
• May 10, 2021: Welcome – About Our Program
• May 17, 2021: A Foster Care & Adoption Experience
• May 24, 2021: Losses & Gains
• May 31, 2021: NO CLASS DUE TO HOLIDAY
• June 7, 2021: Helping Children with Attachments
• June 14, 2021: Healthy Behaviors
• June 21, 2021: Helping Children with Birth Family
• June 28, 2021: Helping Children Leave Foster Care
• July 5, 2021: NO CLASS DUE TO HOLIDAY
• July 12, 2021: The Impact of Fostering & Adopting
• July 19, 2021: Perspectives in Fostering/Adoption
• July 26, 2021: 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. They can own or rent their homes. Parenting experience is a plus but not required.
Individuals who attend the informational session 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 4/22 informational session, 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 May 3, 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