Please click on the AdoptUSKids logo to view CT's children and youth waiting to be adopted.

Please click on logo to view the write-ups and videos of CT's children and youth waiting to be adopted.

Books on Foster Care And Adoption

  

  

It certainly feels like autumn!  Before we know it there will be snow on the ground and we will be preparing for the winter holiday season - a time of great joy and also at times a season of difficult and painful memories for the children we care for.

You don't have to go it alone! Please check out the listing of support groups for licensed families.  For post-adopt and post-guardianship families, additional listings are available here.  There are many supports available to families.  Please don't hesitate to ask!

Every November, we participate in a statewide awareness campaign in honor of National Adoption Month.  Once again we are asking you to help us spread awareness of the continuing need for adoptive homes, particularly for older youth and children with medically complex needs. Check out the information on Bells of Hope, below.  We hope you will be motivated to help us help these kids by spreading the word throughout the Connecticut faith community.

With high regard for all you do,

 

  

Each month one of our member agencies feature a "star" whose service to children in foster care deserves special recognition.

Celebrating 15 years!!!!

 

     The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc. (IPPI) would like to honor Maritza and Robert Tirado in recognition of their 15 year anniversary as foster parents. I am especially excited to share their story because they were the very first family I worked with when joining IPPI as a case manager. Maritza and Robert have integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment. They are an invaluable resource and we thrilled to have them on our team!

     Maritza and Bob met one another in Puerto Rico in 1976.   Two years later, they married and moved to Waterbury, Connecticut. They have one biological son, Robert Jr., who was born in 1981. Robert's mother was a foster parent with IPPI in the late 1990's. Once their son had grown up, Maritza and Bob felt they had the time, the room, and the love to give another child. They were respite provides before becoming licensed on 12/13/98. Their first placement was that of a young boy who lived with them for two years before moving to Puerto Rico to live with his grandmother. The second placement was of a little boy who celebrated his 8th birthday, 21st birthday, and every birthday in between. Over the span of 13 years, Maritza & Robert watched this little boy turn into a young man, who now lives just a few towns away. Since his transition a few weeks ago, they welcome his weekend visits 'back home'. They have one foster youth in their home currently. He arrived at the age of 7 and just celebrated his 17th birthday. Yes, that's right, 10 years! To say this family has faced challenges over the years would be an understatement. They have been through many trials and tribulations with their boys. But at the end of the day, they remained committed to these boys. Maritza and Bob have given these boys so many gifts in the form of experiences, memories, life skills, and a sense of permanency.

What are the rewards of foster parenting?

This couple said foster parenting has been a life changing experience. Maritza said, 'You learn to be more compassionate and find strength that you didn't know you had for them.' Bob said, "I made me a more complete parent. Seeing the boys become young adults and be independent makes you feel like you've accomplished something in life. "

Who makes up your circle of support?

"Each other, our parents, & our family." Nicolina Ku, Clinical Case Manager, has worked with this family for 10+ years. Maritza said, "Nina has always been there when we need her. She's been a great advocate for us!" Maritza also wanted to mention that she appreciates the entire IPPI team, along with the great DCF workers who have been very involved and supportive.

What are some of the challenge of foster parenting?

What is the key to success?

Maritza and Bob agreed that patience, understanding the pain and trauma experienced by the kids, and not holding grudges are the key components to success as a foster parent. In addition, "Do not give up!"

What advice do you have for prospective foster parents?  

"To open the doors to your home and open the doors to your heart. Every child is unique, so you have to accept their uniqueness. You must have the time, the heart, and the willingness to do it. It's worth it!"  

 

Christy George-Tottenham, LMFT

Recruitment & Training Coordinator

The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc.

538 Preston Ave, Meriden, CT 06450

 

     

  And another...