I am sure that most of us had hoped to be back to “a new normal” but it looks like we have to remain vigilant this winter as well. So many important decisions to make each step along the way.
CAFAF continues to offer CPR classes live and in-person. Very few other post-licensing modules are in-person, but we are thrilled to report that people are taking our modules via Zoom and we have expanded our on-line-only modules to 10 with another planned for filming in the spring. Please visit our website to see our updated offerings:
We were pleased that we had 65 people join us “live and in-person” for a one-day symposium for October 9, 2021 at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury. We also recorded that symposium for the purpose of posting it as Module 50 in our array of Post-Licensing trainings. We plan to have it up on the website this winter.
We are thrilled to report that we are still planning a full two-day annual conference at the Mystic Marriott on May 6 – 7, 2022. More info to come and please save the dates.
We held a “Donation Center Free Giveaway” on Saturday December 11th. We continue to receive donated items from both national retailers, regional businesses, community groups and individuals and then safely delivers requested items to families. Everything from personal care items to diapers and baby wipes, to shoes, slippers and boots, to batteries and window cleaner. We are thrilled to offer these items to our families! In addition, we continue to receive toys and holiday gifts to distribute to children living with foster families. The entire Spring Glen Elementary School donated items and when delivered, it filled our entire small conference room! (See photo inside) Thank you to those Hamden students and their families!
CAFAF staff and our families statewide are continuing to learn about Quality Parenting Initiative (“QPI”) that DCF is integrating into its work with foster families. QPI is a refocus of child welfare to return to making the child the center of any interventions and it expects that all adults involved will bring all attention to what works best for the child. We are also assisting DCF in the planning and development of the Kinship Navigator Program with a special focus on relatives navigating the child welfare system as well as so many other areas of support (financial, legal, educational, etc.).
SAVE THE DATE: CAFAF’s Return of Avenue of Dreams!!! March 19, 2022!
Enjoy the cold weather and take as many opportunities as possible to play outside (regardless of age)! Bundle up and stay healthy!
Margaret Doherty
Executive Director
