Virtual Informational Sessions, 10-Week Virtual TIPS-MAPP 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 two virtual informational sessions and a 10-week online course for individuals interested in fostering a child or youth.
INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS:
Two 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*:
· January 10, 2022, at 7 pm
· January 27, 2022, at 7 pm
Meeting sign-in credentials are available here. * Interested individuals are invited to attend one of the two sessions.
TIPS-MAPP 10-WEEK VIRTUAL COURSE:
Wheeler also 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 start on Monday, February 7, 2022 and continue through April 11, 2022.
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 January 28, 2022 is required by contacting Wheeler’s Foster Care team.
February 7
Welcome: About Our Program
February 14
A Foster Care & Adoption Experience
February 21
Losses & Gains
February 28
Helping Children with Attachments
March 7
Healthy Behaviors
March 14
Helping Children with Birth Family
March 21
Helping Children Leave Foster Care
March 28
The Impact of Fostering & Adopting
April 4
Perspectives in Fostering/Adoption
April 11
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 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 January 28, 2022.
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 support 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 click here.
