Blogs & News for Resource Parents
MRPA First Tuesday for October, 2023: Talking with Children About Adoption and Birth Families
Did you know that it's important to start talking with children about adoption and using positive adoption language at the earliest age possible? Foster, adoptive and pre-adoptive families are encouraged to attend this interactive training with Erica Moltz from...
Posted! Child Welfare Academy Fall 2023 Resource Parent Training Calendar
SSA’s Health Care Services Spotlight Webinar Series
Foster Care Tax Credit Act SURVEY: Your Response is Requested by 9/7
Sharing this opportunity posted by the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA). The NFPA has partnered with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and Upbring, a child welfare service provider in Texas, to advocate for the Foster Care Tax Credit Act. This...
Summer Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Programs / Programas de P-EBT en el verano
Who is eligible for Summer P-EBT benefits? School children who received free or reduced price school meals at school under the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program are eligible for P-EBT benefits in the summer of 2023. Unlike in the past, children...
Foster the Family 5k Fun Day – Saturday, May 6th
https://www.fosterthefamilybaltimore.org/5k-family-fun-day
Reminder: 2023 Maryland Foster and Adoptive Parent Survey (Your Response Is Welcome!)
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey. We anticipate it will take 15-30 minutes to complete. We hope to use the results to better advocate for the needs of foster children and foster parents. The survey is completely anonymous. Current, licensed foster...
2023 Maryland Foster and Adoptive Parent Survey
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey. We anticipate it will take 15-30 minutes to complete. We hope to use the results to better advocate for the needs of foster children and foster parents. The survey is completely anonymous. Current, licensed foster...
Family Works Together – Maryland Post-Adoption Program and Book Club
Download the flyers to learn about these valuable networking and learning opportunities! https://mrpa.org/download/6403/ https://mrpa.org/download/6408/
New Resource! Maryland Adoption Agencies Directory
A Letter of Introduction from MRPA President James L. Craig, Jr.
To: Resource Parents of Maryland From: James L. Craig Jr. President, Maryland Resource Parents Association (MRPA) Subject: Introduction Greetings to the hardest working people I know. As the new President for the Maryland Resource Parents Association (MRPA), I want to...
National Kinship Virtual Town Hall – RSVP Today!
The MRPA would like to share this opportunity being offered by our friends in Ohio as part of this Kinship Care Month. Maryland Kinship parents are welcome to attend and join care givers from almost 40 other states! Are you a kinship caregiver? Do you want to join us...
Promoting Healthy Behaviors for Kinship Caregivers
DIGITAL DIALOGUE - REGISTER NOW! Promoting Healthy Behaviors for Kinship Caregivers Wednesday, September 21 2:00-2:45 p.m. Eastern Time Kinship caregivers often prioritize their children’s needs before caring for their own, often delaying their own medical...
Child Welfare Academy Summer Courses – Reserve Your Spot!
REGISTER HERE FOR WORKSHOPS July and August Training Sessions Mon, 7/25/22 (6:00-8:00pm) - Effective Mental Health Treatment Through a Trauma-Informed Lens (meets Medication Management training req) Wed, 7/27/22 (6:00-8:00pm) - Digital Safety Wed, 8/3/22 (6:00-8:00pm)...
June First Tuesday Video: Reunification with Chauncey Strong, Strong Family Training
As we wrap up this month dedicated to family Reunification, we are pleased to post our re-recorded session with Chauncey Strong from Strong Family Training. We discuss the importance of Reunification, and hear from Chauncey on his work in this important area of...
Title IV-E Child Care Reimbursement – Application Deadline June 17th!
Maryland DHS has received information regarding Title IV-E Child Care Reimbursement. This is for eligible children for the calendar year 2021. Please note that this information was received late and there is an extremely short turnaround time frame. Please read all of...
First Tuesday 06/07/22: “Reunification” with Guest Chauncey Strong, Strong Training and Consulting
Learn more about our guest at: https://strongfamilytraining.com/ Register Here When: Jun 7, 2022 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsfuuqqj8uE9ZYazpTOTLLTBU5VbvlFc4q After...
First Tuesday May 3rd: Post-Adoption Support Services with Debbie Riley, CEO of CASE (Children’s Adoption, Support & Education)
Learn more about our guest at: https://adoptionsupport.org/about-us/the-c-a-s-e-team/debbie-riley-ceo/ Register for the session: When: May 3, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting:...
First Tuesday ‘Sleep Health for Foster Care Children’ – Video and Slides Have Been Posted
https://mrpa.org/first-tuesday-resources/#ftsleep
First Tuesday 4/5/22: Sleep Health for Foster Care Children with Dr. Amy R. Wolfson
Sleep Health for Foster Care Children Emerging research conducted by our and other research teams reveals high rates of sleep problems among children in foster care, yet science, education, practice, and policy have largely ignored sleep health in this vulnerable...
MD DHS Annual Notice of Resources Flyer
The Maryland DHS has made available their 'Annual Notice of Resources' flyer. Download your copy from the MRPA website at: https://mrpa.org/download/6108/
First Tuesday Videos Now Available
NFPA Annual Tax Guide for Members – Consider Joining Today!
Did you know that the National Foster Parent Association makes available an annual tax guide for resource parents? This guide is only available to NFPA members. To take advantage of this specially-tailored guide for parents just like you, consider becoming an NFPA...
First Tuesday March 1st, ’22: US Federal Adoption Tax Credit with Josh Kroll of NACAC
Participants will learn the steps they need to take to file for the U.S. federal adoption tax credit. The focus will be on filing for 2021, but will also cover applying for the credit for adoptions as far back as 2018. Presenter Josh Kroll will explain what parents...
Child Welfare Academy Spring Virtual Resource Parent Conference – Registration is Open!
Learn more about this upcoming virtual conference and register today! Conference Date: April 2, 2022, from 8:45am to 3:30pm Conference Info: https://theinstitute.umaryland.edu/our-work/ruth-young-center-for-maryland/child-welfare-academy/conference/ Registration Link:...
First Tuesday: February 8, 2022 Maryland’s Human Services Staffing Shortage
MD DHS Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine for Youth in Out-of-Home Placement (2/1/22)
COVID-19 infections can be a minor hindrance or lead to severe disease or even death. Children, like adults, should receive a COVID-19 vaccine to help prevent serious illness from COVID-19, protect other people around you, particularly people at increased risk for...
January’s First Tuesday – Moved to January 11th (Next Tuesday)
REGISTER HERE You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Jan 11, 2022 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this...
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from the MRPA!
Wishing you joy and peace as we wrap up the 2021 Holiday Season and look forward to a New Year in 2022. Thank you to those who provide loving care and support to children in the foster care system as a foster, kinship or adoptive family. Thank you to those who provide...
The Maryland DHS Needs Your Feedback! (Deadline Extended to 12/22)
In July of 2021 the MRPA was pleased to welcome Kim Parks-Bourn,Program Manager for Practice Innovation with the Maryland DHS. The topic of our talk was 'Marylands Integrated Practice Model: What it Means for Resource Parents'. See the presentation information on our...
The Maryland DHS Needs Your Feedback by 12/15!
In July of 2021 the MRPA was pleased to welcome Kim Parks-Bourn,Program Manager for Practice Innovation with the Maryland DHS. The topic of our talk was 'Marylands Integrated Practice Model: What it Means for Resource Parents'. See the presentation information on our...
There’s Still Time to Sign Up! First Tuesday 12/7 with Author Amber Jewell, ‘Finding Hope: The 12 Keys to Healing Hardship, Hurt & Sorrow’
First Tuesday 12/7 with Author Amber Jewell, ‘Finding Hope: The 12 Keys to Healing Hardship, Hurt & Sorrow’
A Letter from Executive Director Arnold Eby
MRPA Friends, Some of you may have seen the announcement that I have been appointed to the position of Executive Director for the National Foster Parent Association, effective January 1st, '22. It has been an honor to serve the Resource Parents of Maryland as a member...
MD Students Attending In-School Instruction No longer Eligible for Pandemic EBT Benefits
Pandemic EBT Issuance MD Students Attending In-School Instruction No longer Eligible for Pandemic EBT Benefits Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, Maryland Department of Human Services in conjunction with the Maryland State Department of Education secured...
Giving Tuesday is November 30th: Consider a Donation to the MRPA
Giving Tuesday Is November 30, 2021 Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 as an international day of generosity, with the goal of unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities, and the world. In the 9 years since it began it has...
Child Welfare Academy Resource Parent Conference 11/6 – Sign Up by 10/30!
CHILD WELFARE ACADEMY Effective Mental Health Treatment Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
Reminder! There are 3 more sessions of this course available in 2021, it's not too late to take advantage of this training opportunity. REGISTRATION LINK: https://theinstitute.myabsorb.com/ PRINTABLE FLYER
Resources to Support Safe Travel Practices
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) is observing Child Passenger Safety Week, September 19-25, by reminding parents and caregivers to make sure children ride as safely as possible with proper use of car seats, boosters and...
CWLA Webinar Announcement: The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a Child Welfare Issue
Monday, September 27, 2021 3:30 pm Eastern Time The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a Child Welfare Issue CWLA, in partnership with the Coalition on Human Needs, invite you to join us for the webinar, The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a Child Welfare Issue, to help spread the...
9/9 is International FASD Awareness Day
On this 9th day of the 9th month of the year, we recognize International FASD Awareness Day, a day dedicated to bringing awareness of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and its impact on the lives of children. The following resources are excellent for Resource Parents. Book...
First Tuesday Reminder – September 7th, Kinship Mentoring with Sam Macer
Kinship Care Month & Our New Kinship Corner
Welcome to the wonderful month of September and the celebration of Kinship Month! I would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' and to honor all of the kinship caregivers, both formal and informal, in the State of Maryland. We are grateful for all that you...
National Adoption Month Webinar: Every Conversation Matters 9/30 @ 2pm
This year, National Adoption Month will focus on teen adoption and engaging youth in permanency planning. The theme for the 2021 initiative, "Every Conversation Matters," recognizes that authentic youth engagement depends on building solid relationships, which can...
First Tuesday August 3, 2021: Open Mic Discussion
Third Tuesday Q&A 7/20/21: Promoting Partnerships Between the Family of Origin and Resource Parents
BOSS KIDS COOK + Every Kid Can Cook Sizzlin’ Summer Camp
Downloadable Flyer
Fostering Connections Through Camp Connect
Camp Connect is still accepting campers for this year! Quick Details: Dates: August 10 - 15th Where: Camp Manidokan in Knoxville, MD - we have a bus that goes from Baltimore Co DSS on York Rd. on Tuesday and back on Sunday Who: ANY separated siblings with one sib...
First Tuesday 7/6/21: Promoting Partnerships Between the Family of Origin & Resource Parents
Special Guest Facilitator Becky Rice, LCSW-C, Frederick Co DSS This session is designed to offer processes for engaging the Family of Origin and creating partnerships that improve the outcomes for the children being fostered, and for the families involved. Becky will...
Survey Opportunity: Love is Action
MRPA would like to share this 'Love is Action' survey opportunity. Foster parents, we're listening! If you have ever been a foster parent, we want to hear from YOU! You are the expert on what it's like to be a foster parent in your area. Please share your opinions in...
MD DHS – Adult Protective and Child Welfare Services- In-Person Contact and Out-of-State Travel Guidance
CHILD WELFARE ACADEMY Effective Mental Health Treatment Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
REGISTRATION LINK: https://theinstitute.myabsorb.com/ PRINTABLE FLYER
Forward 50th Education Conference
Registration Is Now Open for the Forward 50th Education Conference. << BE SURE TO REGISTER BY THIS SATURDAY 6/26 FOR THE BEST PRICING FOR THE CONFERENCE!! >> $99 Registration Through June 26, 2021 and then $119 for On-Demand Learning Through September 30,...
Promoting Partnerships Between the Family of Origin and Resource Parents – Resources
This Tuesday's session entitled 'Maryland's Integrated Practice Model - What it Means for Resource Parents' promises to provide excellent information on the topic - please join us tomorrow at 8pm for the discussion! Register here: ...
Third Tuesday Session: Maryland’s Integrated Practice Model’ – What It Means for Resource Parents
New P-EBT Updates/Nuevas actualizaciones de la P-EBT
New P-EBT Updates The Maryland Department of Human Services in collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education has secured approval from the federal government to implement the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program. The program provides...
Executive Director Arnie Eby Article in ‘Fostering Families Today’ Magazine (May/June Edition)
MRPA's Executive Director Arnie Eby recently contributed an article to the May/June edition of Fostering Families Today magazine entitled, 'We're the Lucky Ones'. In it he discusses the role of he and his wife, Donna, in the lives of the children who have been in...
Third Tuesday Q&A with Barb Clark of NACAC: Trauma Informed Strategies
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udOqtrD0uG9TMcbi-zvj5op_uOC1TINGQ
Honoring the 2021 Foster Parents of the Year
2021 Foster Parents of the Year We are honored and pleased to feature Maryland's Foster Parents of the Year! We'll be publishing the nominations for the parents from each county here on our website, and on Facebook. Stay tuned to learn more about these phenomenal...
First Tuesday 05/04/2021: Trauma Informed Strategies with Barb Clark of NACAC
First Tuesday is next week! Join our Guest Facilitator Barb Clark of NACAC as she follows up her impactful session on FASD with a discussion on 'Trauma Informed Strategies'. The discussion will center around techniques for responding to trauma-based behavior. Register...
Reminder! This Tuesday is our Follow Up Q&A Session with Barb Clarke of NACAC (Zoom Session)
MRPA will host another in our series of 'First Tuesday Follow Up Q&A' sessions on 4/20 on the topic of 'Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder', or FASD. Our First Tuesday session on 4/6 was such a hit that we've invited Barb Clark back to facilitate the Q&A. Stay...
CHAMPS Pandemic EBT Program Update
Download a printable copy of this update here: https://mrpa.org/download/5255/ (The links will function on your downloaded copy).
DHS Updates on the Children’s Cabinet Funds
We have posted two important updates to the status of reimbursement funding! COVID-19 Reimbursement Funding FAQs Update: Second Request - Children's Cabinet Funds
Follow Up Q&A Session with Barb Clarke of NACAC (Zoom Session)
MRPA will host another in our series of 'First Tuesday Follow Up Q&A' sessions on 4/20 on the topic of 'Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder', or FASD. Our First Tuesday session on 4/6 was such a hit that we've invited Barb Clark back to facilitate the Q&A. Stay...
Downloadable Factsheet: Parenting Your Adopted School-Age Child
MRPA's Executive Director Arnie Eby was honored to be a part of the content review for this important resource, 'Parenting Your Adopted School-Age Child'. We're happy to make this document available to you, and hope you find it useful! Download the document here:...
Last Call to Register for This Week’s Session! First Tuesday 04/06/2021: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with Barb Clark of NACAC
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdOippzsuH9fZyewzFdlWp7QnVYtQbZwv After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. About Our Trainer BIO: Barb Clark is an...
Submit Your Social Worker Appreciation Video!
March is Social Worker Appreciation Month! Help us to celebrate the social workers who have impacted your life. The MRPA has created a page where you can leave a short (90 second or less) testimonial about a special social worker. Feel free to leave as many as you'd...
First Tuesday 04/06/2021: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with Barb Clark of NACAC
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdOippzsuH9fZyewzFdlWp7QnVYtQbZwv After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. About Our Trainer BIO: Barb Clark is an...
Invitation to Respond to Arrow Child and Family Ministries Foster Parent Survey
Arrow Child and Family Ministries has invited Foster Parents across Maryland to respond to their survey. Results will be shared with MD DHS, and will be used in Arrow's advocacy efforts for parents and children, so please take this opportunity to make your voice...
Invitation to Respond to CJAC 3 Year Assessment Survey
MRPA's Executive Director Arnie Eby serves on CJAC, and would like to share this opportunity to respond to their survey... read on for details! The Children’s Justice Act Committee (CJAC) is a federally mandated Task Force under the Child Abuse and Prevention...
Child Welfare Academy Spring Virtual Resource Parent Conference
Just a quick note to let you know that our Spring Virtual Resource Parent Conference will be on Saturday April 17, 2021 from 8:30am-3:30pm (5 hours of training credit, 2 Behavior/Discipline workshops offered). Registration is now open! Below is the flyer with details...
MD DHS/Dept of Education P-EBT Benefits Update
First Tuesday 3/2/21: Birth Family Connections with Kim Stevens, NACAC
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMocuGqqT4pHtRudWYyORIBIp1hxCoKToe6 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. About Our Trainer BIO: Kim is a program...
First Tuesday 2/2/21: What Is the MRPA? Session Video & Handouts Have Been Posted
The video and handouts from our First Tuesday session last night have been posted! This was a great session that included a brief overview of our recent Resource Parent Survey, discussions on building Advocacy with our guests, Katie Fitzsimmons from Anne Arundel Co...
YOUR Training and Resource Needs for 2020?…
Did you know....? That our road map for training, resources, and services that we will be providing in 20201 comes from feedback from YOU, Maryland-based Resource Parents? That 460 Resource Parents completed the recent MD DHS/MRPA survey and offered their feedback on...
Updated Maryland DHS Policy on Visitation
In light of the upward trend in Covid-19 cases in our state, the MRPA recently made a request to the Maryland DHS to consider a 60-day-or-more suspension of the State's requirement for in-person visits between foster children and their biological families. As a result...
First Tuesday Session Updates – Video/Handouts From Last Call, Upcoming Session Topic
February First Tuesday Session: Maryland DHS/Social Services & MRPA Survey Results In 2020, the Maryland DHS/Social Service and the Maryland Resource Parent Association conducted a joint survey to ask parents to evaluate their relationships with the MRPA and...
Notice of Eligibility: Pandemic EBT Retroactive September P-EBT issuance / Aviso de Elegibilidad: EBT en la pandemia (P-EBT) Emisión de la P-EBT en septiembre
Notice of Eligibility: Pandemic EBT Retroactive September P-EBT issuance Over the summer, you received a notice from the State of Maryland indicating that one or more children in your household were eligible for Pandemic EBT or P-EBT. P-EBT benefits were loaded to...
Announcement: MRPA Has Requested A Temporary Hold on In-Person Visits Due to Covid-19 Concerns
Maryland is experiencing the most serious spike in the number of reported Covid-19 illnesses and deaths since May of last year. In response, the Maryland Resource Parent Association is calling for an immediate 60 day-or-more suspension of the Maryland Dept. of Social...
How the CARES Act can affect your 2020 tax deductions: World Vision Article
Article Excerpt Are you seeking out maximum tax deductions for 2020? The charitable contribution limit for 2020 has changed: We spoke with one of our experienced finance professionals for insight on this year’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)...
Children’s Cabinet Funds (One Time DHS/SSA Stipend)
Please take immediate note of the following message from Michelle L. Farr, Executive Director of the Socials Services Administration, regarding a one-time stipend for Resource Parents with children during the period of July 1 - December 31, 2020. [pdf-embedder...
Why Are the Holidays so Hard for Traumatized Kids?
(Repost from Serenity Links Coaching) The holidays are festive and fun, but they can also be torture for our traumatized kids! The very things we love about the season can send our child’s issues into overdrive and their behavior into orbit. That can easily make this...
Continuous Resolution P-EBT Update/Resolución de continuar la P-EBT
Continuous Resolution P-EBT Update This is to inform you that a recent federal budget resolution will provide additional Pandemic EBT or P-EBT benefits. The Maryland Department of Human Services and the State Department of Education are working collaboratively to...
NFPA Training Opportunity: Mentorship Series: Reach, Raise, Love, and Train the Next Generation
MRPA would like to share this training opportunity with the NFPA! TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT Available Online Teaching mentors about ways to reach, raise, love, and train the next generation, Brian D. Molitor will talk about the many aspects of mentoring that...
OUR FOSTER DAD SAVED US
https://americanspcc.org/testimonial/our-foster-dad-saved-us/
Council considering $7.7M to help child care providers operate in public schools
We'd like to share this recent Bethesda Magazine article regarding child care accommodations in public schools. Council considering $7.7M to help child care providers operate in public schools Another $864K would go to mental health for schools Child care providers...
P-EBT Update Regarding September ’20 Benefits
The benefits for September were issued to those who received P-EBT over the summer. Please note that students who received benefits over the summer but have since graduated did not receive a September issuance. The funds are available on the P-EBT cards between 9/21...
Maryland Secures Federal Funding to Extend Pandemic-EBT Benefits During September to Support Eligible Families
Over $47.5 Million in Additional P-EBT Benefits Will Serve Over 440,000 Maryland Children in September BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) in conjunction with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) received approval to continue...
NBC Article: COVID-19 Pandemic Impacting Foster Children, Parents (Featuring MRPA Executive Director Arnie Eby)
MRPA's Executive Director Arnie Eby was featured in an NBC piece released yesterday, 9/21, on the impact of COVID-19 on Foster children and parents. Excerpt: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., are easing some restrictions and rules placed on foster parents and...
2020 ATTACh Virtual Conference: Interconnections (Get Your 50% Coupon Just for MRPA!)
Are you thinking of attending the 2020 ATTACh Conference? If so, read on! (And if you hadn't considered it yet, definitely keep reading!). Be sure to submit a request on our Home page to receive your 50% off coupon for the registration fee. The first 20 respondents...
New Training Opportunity from NFPA Training Institute: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder from a Trauma Lens
TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT Available Online Parenting a child with a disorder on the fetal alcohol spectrum can present many challenges for foster and adoptive families. It is vital for these families and the professionals who support them to understand the reasons behind...
Registration NOW Open – Fall Virtual Resource Parent Conference | October 24, 2020
The Child Welfare Academy, Maryland Resource Parent Association, Maryland Department of Human Services, and your local Departments of Social Services invite you to our first VIRTUAL Resource Parent Fall Conference! Registration is FREE. Registration Deadline | October...
Maryland P-EBT Benefits for September
Important! The MRPA does not manage the P-EBT program, but works hard to make information about the program available to MD Resource Parents. We do not have the necessary information to assist with specific questions about benefits, and want to be sure you have no...
Updated Maryland DHS Policy: CW-SSA #20-12 Child Care Services for Foster Children
The Maryland DHS has updated policy CW-SSA #20-12 Child Care Services for Foster Children. Download your copy HERE. This link will automatically download the policy in PDF form. To visit the page where this policy is located, click HERE. We encourage Maryland Public...
Last Call for Responses! Survey: Childcare and COVID-19 for Maryland Foster Parents
If you have not yet responded, please do so by Wednesday evening, 8/26! The Maryland Resource Parents Association has heard that many foster parents have issues with childcare, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey is an attempt to collect...
Let’s Talk College/Trade! Seminar with the MRPA and MD DHS
Seminar Announcement Please join us for a live interactive webinar on the MD Education & Training Voucher (ETV) and the MD Tuition Waiver Programs for foster children. The Webinar will also provide general education information. Both sessions will cover the same...
Survey: Childcare and COVID-19 for Maryland Foster Parents
The Maryland Resource Parents Association has heard that many foster parents have issues with childcare, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey is an attempt to collect data and stories to help with our advocacy efforts with counties and the...
A Foster-to-Adoption Success Story – The Fitzsimmons Family
The MRPA is delighted to share the personal Foster-to-Adoption story of Katie Fitzsimmons, President of the Anne Arundel County Foster Parent Association. . (Shared from the most recent newsletter of the AACFPA) This month we adopted our Foster Son. He was our first...
IRS Notice: Returning an Economic Impact Payment
Have you received an Economic Impact Payment in Error? Foster Parents who have foster children moving in and out of their homes may be in the position of having received a stimulus payment for a child no longer in their care. The following guidelines can help us make...
Resource Parent In-Person Visitation Guidance and Protocols
The Maryland DHS has shared the following documents as a resource for foster families who are about to resume In-Person visitations. Click the title to view or download the document. CW Services COVID-19 Stage 2 Guidance Memo DHS/SSA Protocol and Procedures for...