We Strive to Make a Difference
The Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families (CAFAF) makes a difference in the lives of foster, adoptive and relative caregivers by providing support, training, and advocacy. The Alliance works in partnership with child welfare professionals and the entire community to nurture child safety, well being, and stability.
Become a Foster Parent Call 888-Kid-Hero
Training
Support
Donate to Foster and Adoptive Families
Monetary contributions to CAFAF will directly support our mission. The donations go toward a variety of needs for the organizations and the families we serve. Monetary donations work well for individuals who want to help but don’t have a lot of time to volunteer.
A Sincere Thank You From Our Staff!
The staff of the Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families (CAFAF) want to THANK YOU for ALL YOU DO!!!
Voluntary Care Management Program
The voluntary Care Management program serves families and youth with serious emotional challenges, mental illness and / or substance use disorders.
The goal is to support families by increasing their access to care.
✨Staff Spotlight ✨
Wendy Sander
Peer Network Coordinator (CAFAF Helpline & Buddy Program)
“I love… the “sliver” moon, rocks – I love rocks!, when the moon is out in the daytime, the lime color of the leaves when they first come out in the spring time, the dew on the grass when the sun hits it just right (until it gets my sneakers wet), a smile from a passer byer, when a kind gesture is done for someone, peace, gardening, the outdoors, cats are ok but I love dogs, family, my Buddies!, most of all my kids!”
Why Wendy joined CAFAF: As a licensed pre-adoptive parent back in 2001, I noticed a job posting to support foster and adoptive parents. I thought how wonderful it would be to start a family through adoption, and to be able to support and help others in the foster/adoption community as well. I have been with CAFAF just a couple months shy of twenty years now, and I only hope that I have given back to families, as much as I have learned from working with them over the years! The families we support, help teach us along the way and help us grow stronger all the time as a community! I feel very grateful to have this wonderful opportunity to support families and work along side our parent mentors we call our CAFAF Buddies!
“Thank you CAFAF, CAFAF Liaisons, CAFAF Buddies, families, and DCF! It is a pleasure and honor to work with you all! 😊(Oh… and I love smiley faces too!)”
Your the best!
✨Staff Spotlight✨
Brian Candelora
Middletown Liaison
Why I joined CAFAF: After my parents began their journey of foster care and adoption I became one of the many supports in their village, this inspired and challenged me to be the best father I could for my 3 children. It also showed me the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will be there to support you in the most difficult of times. I joined CAFAF to help foster and adoptive families understand the importance of having those supports in their life while being one of those supports and in the process I found the most supportive family I could ever ask for with my fellow Liaisons and CAFAF.
Fun Fact: I love being outside! As a kid I used to do my homework in a tree and as an adult teleworking I find I do my best work from my deck or garden. Fishing will always be one of my favorite hobbies because I could spend hours on the water without a nibble and still thoroughly enjoy just being outside.
CAFAF thanks you for all your hard work!
Thank you for doing what you do!
✨Sunday Staff Spotlight✨
Dora Poma
Danbury liaison
“I joined CAFAF in 2012. At the time I was a licensed foster home with the desire of helping teen girls through their journey. I remembered hearing throughout my training the need of homes that took in teens. I had already raised my own 2 daughters as a single parent and thought it would be a piece of cake. My daughters did very well through school and have successful careers. I have learned through experience that kids are kids no matter what the circumstances. There definitely good days and not so good. It does take some patience and always remembering it may take a bit for you to instill your teachings and guidance. You must be firm and consistent, but always validating and loving. I have fostered over 50 children so far and continue to have some type of connection to almost all of them. Some have children of their own and I get invited to baby showers and dance recitals. I help and guide them to be the best parent they can be.
I always felt the importance of a strong healthy relationship with Bio-Family whenever possible and working as a team. I wanted to feel we were all in this together and feel safe and supported while they were in my home. In many cases helping them prepare for adulthood and to learn the necessary skills needed when they did leave.
I love cooking and making all types of Ethnic foods and get a kick out of children’s reactions when I serve them foods they enjoyed or their favorite dishes.”
CAFAF thanks you for all the hard work you do, Dora!
Felicidades querida Dora , lo haz hecho muy bien como foster parent y te lo han reconocido . Nuevamente felicidades y muchas bendiciones 🙏❤️
Dora is the best, she is so supportive and is always available for advice and a listening ear. I am so grateful to have her.
Congratulations Dora for being recognized for your good work You are inspiring to many my sister ❤
Beautiful Dora! keep up the amazing work!
Thank you, Dora! ❤️
A very proud daughter!!! 💗💗💗 I’ve seen/continue to see firsthand just how much of this is true. I am always in awe of this woman, the patience that she has, the love she has to share, the wisdom that she offers to our extended family, and the persistence that she has to mold these young women into responsible and independent ladies. No one said raising teenage girls would be easy and come with no challenges, but she does it with ease, with love, and with their best interest in mind. Thank you CAFAF for acknowledging my mom as an employee, and as a foster parent.
That’s my momma! Love you Dora Poma🥰
Foster Care & Adoption Programs Information Request Form
This form is for Connecticut Residents Only
