Children ages 5-15 are enrolled in the foster care program for various amounts of time. Some children in the program may return to their biological parents, to extended family members, a long term foster home, to an adoptive home, or to another more permanent living environment.

The Foster Children

The Therapeutic Foster Care Home provides a home treatment environment for children who are referred to us by DCYF and who may have experienced significant losses and or trauma such as physical emotional abuse or neglect and are unable to be maintained in a less restrictive setting. Many are learning to cope with anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and other emotional/physical challenges. Children served in this program are in need of structure, consistency, behavior intervention, and a positive nurturing environment. Each child has an individualized treatment plan in which the Foster Parent will play a vital role in ensuring a successful outcome.

The Foster Parent

St. Mary's foster parents are licensed by The Department for Children, Youth and Families. Foster parents are highly trained and supported and are considered active members of the child's treatment team. Positive role modeling, nurturing and setting clear, consistent boundaries are key components of a child's in-home treatment. St. Mary's clinicians provides ongoing supervision and 24 hour a day support to foster families. Foster parents are temporary caretakers, providing transportation to appointments and school and involving children in community-based activities with respect for child heritage and cultural diversity. As appropriate foster parents also support the child's communication with family members and assist with visitations.

Becoming a Foster Parent
The process of becoming a foster parent starts with education and exploration. Persons considering fostering should discuss the impact of such a decision with family members, friends, and other foster parents. If the St. Mary's Foster Care Program feels right for you and your family, contact the Program Coordinator at (401) 353-KIDS. You will be mailed a detailed package of information necessary to begin the process. Briefly, you will need to:

• Provide a home that will comply with Rhode Island licensing laws.
• Successfully complete an intensive home study process.
• Submit medical information and provide personal references.
• Complete 30 hours of specialized training.
• Be cleared by the Child Abuse & Neglect Tracking System (CANTS), the Department for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), and the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office

Want to make a difference in the life of a child?
Learn about becoming a Therapeutic Foster Parent. Attend an upcoming Therapeutic Workshop to learn more about becoming a Foster Parent with St. Mary's. Our foster parents receive tax free dollars to support the placement, on going training and support from a team of clinicians, clothing allowance and free medical coverage for the child. For more information or to register for an upcoming workshop contact our Foster Parent Hotline at (401) 353-KIDS.

Contact Us
Sarah Buffery-Powers, M.Ed.
Foster Care Coordinator
St. Mary's Home For Children
420 Fruit Hill Ave.
North Providence, RI 02911

Heidi S. Mulligan
Foster Care Recruiter
420 Fruit Hill Ave.
North Providence RI 02911
(401) 353-KIDS