You're not alone
No one should go on this journey alone!
And you don’t have to!!
We are here to walk beside and support you—we are on this journey as well.
Our support groups are a great way to connect with others with similar experiences, learn from peers, hear about available resources and changes in the system, and build community.
Peer-Led Support Groups
Grief Support
First and Third Sundays at 9:00pm
Being a foster or kinship parent can be difficult, and all parents grieve when children leave their home, even if it’s a positive change for the child. In this group we hold space for those who are grieving a child who has left their home. It is a time to connect, to share, and to learn about resources that can help.
Foster Care Book Club
Second and Fourth Sundays at 9:00 pm
In this group we will read and discuss books related to foster care, adoption, trauma, and other topics relevant to being a foster, adoptive, and/or kinship parent. Everything is better with friends, so let's learn more about this journey together!
Fostering Teens
Second and Fourth Mondays at 8:30 pm
Parenting is hard. Parenting teens can be even harder, especially when they have experienced trauma. In this group you can talk with other parents of teens to learn what strategies have worked for them, learn about resources and programs that can help, and gain parenting skills.
New to Foster Parenting
Every Tuesday at 9:00 pm
This group is designed for those parents who have just begun the fostering journey, whether they are in the home study process, awaiting that first placement, dealing with an initial placement, or simply have questions about the court process, the multitude of workers, how to deal with the GAL, or any other similar issues.
LGBTQ+ Families
Second Tuesday of Every Month at 9:00 pm
This group is open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, including parents caring for kids who identify as LGBTQ+. In this group you can find peers to connect with, get support in your role as a foster, adoptive, and/or kinship parent, and learn about resources available to you.
Parenting Kids with Disabilities
First and Third Tuesdays at 9:00 pm
Are you caring for a child with exceptionalities? Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan, or you feel they would benefit from special education services? Has your child been officially diagnosed with an intellectual/developmental, physical, mental or emotional disability or medical condition that impacts their daily life? In this group we'll help you learn about available resources, understand the special education processes and provide mutual support around the joys and challenges in raising kids with disabilities.
Adoptive Parents
Every Wednesday at 9:00 pm
This group is for those parents who have completed the journey to adoption and need support in raising a child or children who still have issues related to their adoption, earlier abuse, neglect, or drug addiction. We can help identify resources available to adoptive parents and offer a safe space to vent about the joys and frustrations of raising these very special children.
Check-In & System Updates
Every Thursday at 9:00 pm
In this group we talk about changes that are happening or will happen in West Virginia’s child welfare system, including legislative proposals, updates on programs, and information from DHHR. We often have speakers sharing about various programs, topics, and issues of interest. We also take time to check in with each other and provide peer support.
Ritchie County & Surrounding Areas
One Tuesday per month at 6:00 pm
Meets via Zoom for now
Connect with other families and get some support in your role as a foster, adoptive, and/or kinship parent! In this group we’ll discuss anything related to foster care and adoption. We’ll learn about available resources and changes in the system, and support each other in parenting and navigating the system.
Kanawha County & Surrounding Areas
Every Wednesday at 6:30
Childcare provided through the church (activities have a religious theme)
422 B Street, Saint Albans, WV
In this group we talk about all topics pertaining to foster care, kinship care, and adoption. This can include the court system, the process, the struggles, and/or things you need advice about. You’ll also learn about available resources and changes in the system.
**Does not meet in the summer. Last meeting 5/26/21.