Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families (CAFAP)

Support services: Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families (cafaf), Inc's regional liaison employees reside in Connecticut department of children and Families (dcf) area offices and provide assistance to each of the regions in Connecticut. These employees are the first line of support for Foster, Adoptive, and relative parents who call with questions, concerns, or require resolution of individual issues. Regional liaisons are also available to assist dcf staff with Foster and Adoptive recruitment and retention activities.

Training and conferences: cafaf offers post-licensing training classes to any individuals licensed by dcf or a private agency. Participants are trained in areas that will best help develop their competencies as determined during the mutual assessment process with their dcf Foster and Adoptive services unit support worker. Cafaf offers four yearly conferences, ranging from one-day symposiums to the two-day annual conference. These events draw on skilled, experienced child welfare experts and offer unique opportunities for networking and learning.

Recruitment and retention: cafaf engages in recruitment efforts to develop a skilled, caring and diverse pool of Foster and Adoptive Families that demonstrate the ability, willingness and commitment to meet the safety, emotional and permanency needs of children without homes.

Public education: cafaf provides information and outreach to the general public through maintaining a website, distributing quarterly newsletters and weekly emails dedicated to the discussion of federal, state and local legislative and policy issues relevant to the Foster and Adoptive care community.