Rhode Island Foster Parents Association launches Real Connections: A Community Approach to Identifying Mentors and Lifelong Supports for Teens in Care
The Rhode Island Foster Parents Association (RIFPA) and the Rhode Island Council of Resource Providers (RICORP) is launching a new program for teens through the Chaffee Life Skills Center. The goal of the Real Connections program is “to ensure that all youth leave state care with permanent, positive adult connections and options for a successful future.” The program will focus on teens that are vulnerable to “aging out” of state care without positive, consistent adults to rely on. Real Connections staff will support youth in identifying existing community connections and connections that may have been lost as a result of placement in care or transition from town to town or school to school. They will also help youth identify relatives previously unknown to them that may have the capacity to become consistent supports. The goal is to then help to nurture a relationship with those adults that have the most potential to develop into lifelong connections. The program will also connect youth to community mentors that are able to help them pursue secondary education or specific career goal. The Chaffee Life Skills Center is recruiting mentors from local businesses, community organizations and reaching out to community members who may have considered foster parenting or adoption but are looking for a “stepping stone” approach.
This program is an exciting community collaboration. Leading partners include the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association, the Rhode Island Council of Resource Providers, Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative and the Department of Children, Youth and Families. The O’Halloran Family Foundation has made a generous three-year commitment to ensure the sustainability of the program. Other funders include Ocean State Job Lot and Ocean State Charities Trust. Additional community partners include Communities for People, the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership, Rhode Island Kids Count, Adoption Rhode Island, and Casey Family Services.
Real Connections will work with 25 youth in the pilot year of the program and intends to work with 100 youth per year by the year three. If you are interested in learning more about the program please contact Julie DiBari at 401-438-3900 x101.
