Could You Be a Therapeutic Foster Parent in Connecticut? | Monday, June 29 at 6:30 PM ET

Wendy, 1 placements in, will share what it's really like.

Monday, June 29, 2026
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
Virtual (Zoom — link sent on next screen)
Free

Ready? Save your spot below ↓

About this session

Children and teens in Connecticut need safe, stable, caring homes — especially those who have experienced trauma and need extra support. Join us for a free online information session to learn what therapeutic foster care is, who it is for, and how you can take the next step toward becoming a licensed foster parent. What Is Therapeutic Foster Care? Therapeutic foster care is for children and teens who may need more structure, patience, and support because of trauma, emotional needs, or difficult life experiences. These children need more than a place to stay. They need adults who can provide consistency, kindness, boundaries, and hope. You do not need to be perfect. You do need to be open to learning, willing to work with a support team, and ready to provide a stable home. What You Will Learn At this session, you will hear from foster care professionals and from foster parent Wendy, who will share what therapeutic foster parenting really involves — the types of children and teens who need homes, the training and licensing process, the support available to foster parents, and how fostering fits with jobs, family schedules, pets, renting, and school arrangements. You will also have time to ask questions. Hear from a Real Foster Parent Wendy will be live on the call. She has spoken honestly before about both the challenges and rewards of therapeutic foster care — the importance of structure, patience, and not giving up on children who may have already experienced multiple placements. Her message is simple and powerful: these children need stable adults who will stay with them and help them heal. Who Should Attend? This session is for Connecticut residents who are curious about foster parenting and want to learn more before making a decision. You may be a good fit if you have room in your home and heart for a child or teen; are single, married, partnered, or part of a family; own or rent your home; work full-time, part-time, or are retired; have experience with children, caregiving, education, healthcare, social work, or simply want to help; and are willing to learn about trauma-informed parenting. What Happens After the Session? If you are interested after the meeting, you will have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one follow-up conversation with the foster care team. That conversation will help you understand whether therapeutic foster care is a good fit for your household and what the next step would be. Space is limited so that everyone has a chance to ask questions. Register today to receive the Zoom link and reminders.

A letter from Wendy

Before my first placement, I was terrified. I kept waiting to feel ready. I never did. What I felt instead was that these kids had already survived things I hadn't, and they deserved someone who showed up anyway. That's what this is. If you've read this far, you're probably that person.

— Wendy

What happens in 45 minutes

First 10: Wendy tells you what the first placement really felt like.
Middle 25: A social worker walks through what the agency looks for, the training you'll get, and what therapeutic foster care actually means.
Last 10: Your questions. Anything is on the table.

Community Residences, Inc. is licensed and contracted by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

Most people qualify

You don't need to be married, own your home, or have raised kids before. You need stable housing, a car, and the time to show up. We'll walk through the rest together.

Your hosts

Stacy Kelsey

CRI Foster Care Team

Thank you for your interest in fostering. I have been employed in the foster care department for over two decades. In that time, I have seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same, the overwhelming need for supportive foster homes. We are looking for foster parents that possess patience, compassion and the desire to help those children who might be a bit more difficult to place because they are slightly older and many have endured a great deal of trauma. If you become a foster parent with Community Residences, Inc, you are joining a team of employees and fellow foster parents who are dedicated to helping some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable youth. Once you become a foster parent with us, you will get to know me much more as I am the person responsible for matching and placing foster children who I feel you are capable of helping reach their full potential. I look forward to meeting you!

Meliessa W. Pellerin

CRI Foster Care Team

I have been employed at Community Residences Inc. for 20 years. Over the 20 years, I have held various positions. My experience ranges from working directly with foster children and foster families as a foster care social worker to training families to prepare them to be successful as a Training and Re-Approval Specialist. I enjoy interacting with the families in the classes I teach and hearing about your success when you become foster parents. In the 20 years, I have worked in the foster care department, I have been lucky enough to have witnessed numerous graduations, adoptions, reunifications, and overall life success. As the saying goes, “It takes a Village.” It is not always easy, but it is so rewarding when you see children begin to reach their potential with the proper guidance. Thank you for showing up here. If you are interested in fostering children from 11 and above who might need extra support due to the difficult circumstances they have encountered in their young lives; those children who desperately need someone to see the potential within them when they don’t see it in themselves, I urge you to attend one of our virtual open houses to hear more. I hope you can join the CRI team on our mission of helping children and families heal. I look forward to meeting you and working with you as you begin your journey to becoming foster parents.