The Village was incorporated in March 2016 as RI’s only foster and adoptive family founded and governed support organization.

 

The Mission of the Village is to contribute to the development and maintenance of a robust network of healthy, committed, and well-trained resource families for children in RI needing out of home care.

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Our Vision is:

• to become a go-to destination for those considering resource parenting as well as a front-line support for all new and existing resource parents.

• that Rhode Island will have enough high-quality homes, with the aid of The Village’s recruitment efforts, to provide solid matches for all children in need of care. Family connections, culture and geography will become drivers in matching and there will be enough homes with the capacity to keep siblings together.

• that through advocacy efforts, resource families will become viewed as integral members of a child’s support team and that birth families and their “issues” will be demystified for foster families. Foster families will routinely become acquainted with birth families and have the opportunity to develop healthy relationship with birth families when this is in the children’s best interest.

• that The Village will assist new resource parents in acquiring needed resources and equipment through our Community Resource Closet. Most importantly, that every child in care would have a safe, loving home for as long as is needed.

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Why Do Resource Families Need a Village?

• Families need to feel supported and heard.  Being surrounded by others who can relate to their experiences is truly comforting.

• The child welfare system is complicated and difficult to navigate.  An experienced guide is helpful. 

• Referrals to experts from experienced resource parents is key

• Being connected to other resource parents and children in care is beneficial for both adults and children

• Sharing resources, supports and parenting approaches with caregivers are very important and make the foster care experience feel better for all involved. ​

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