Prospective foster and adoptive parents are welcome at any Open House listed on our website. Please call one of the regional coordinators listed at the bottom of this newsletter or

for more information or to schedule an individual appointment.

 Click here for the most current listing of open houses across the state.  

 Click on the calendar at right to see upcoming events. 

Check out all the great information we've been posting on our collaborative Facebook page this past month!

•  So sad... Don't you all agree that we can work together to change this for young people? There's No Place Like A Dorm Room For The Holidays
• Do you get anxious worrying about the effect the holidays have on the children you parent?
  Informative blog post for families whose kids struggle with over-stimulation and dis-regulation. Parenting Kiddos who Sabotage Big Days
•  The UConn Health Adoption Assistance Program has moved (just down the street!) Families who have finalized adoptions or guardianships, the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) is there to help you. Know an adoptive or guardianship family who could use a little extra support? Reach out to the Adoption Assistance Program at 860/679-4006. Free, short term, confidential services and referrals to services for adoptive families, kinship families and adult adoptees.
• This is what we need more of. White House Bound
• The next time you are witness to a scene like this, after reading this story, what will you do?   To the Trader Joe's Employee Who Noticed My Family in the Parking Lot
   

  

Each month we shine a spotlight on one of our member agencies. The agency spotlights a "star" whose service to children in foster care deserves special recognition.

 
Stars receive a small gift from the community collaborative and a certificate of appreciation from the nominating agency.  This month, we share a community star from our partner, the Waterbury DCF office. 

Last week for the third straight year, Kaynor tech students volunteered to put together 100 bicycles destined for local children served by the child welfare system

On behalf of the children of the Greater Waterbury area and the State of CT, Department of Children and Families...THANK YOU! 

 Written from a foster youth perspective, this holiday guide is handy and informative! 

Click here to download PDF.