Could You Be the Foster Family That Keeps a Kid in Their School?

When there is no foster family nearby, kids are placed towns away — new school, new teachers, nothing familiar. A family close to home changes that: same school, same friends, same routine. Right now, children from Waterbury, Naugatuck, Wolcott, Willimantic and the surrounding towns need exactly that. If you have ever wondered whether foster parenting might be right for you, this free online information session is the perfect place to start. Whether you are simply exploring the idea or seriously considering becoming licensed, you will leave with a clear understanding of what foster parenting involves, what support is available, and what the next steps look like. Hear from an Experienced Foster Parent You will also hear from Peter Lorinser, a Connecticut foster dad. Foster care was on his wife's long-term plan before it was on his — and he will share honestly what it took to work through the unknowns, and what changed once their family said yes. Since 2019, Peter and his wife have welcomed more than 30 children into their home and adopted three. Hearing directly from someone who has lived the experience often provides the perspective that brochures and websites simply can't. What You'll Learn During this session, members of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families will walk you through the foster parenting journey, including: • Who can become a foster parent • Why fostering close to home helps kids stay in their school and community • The licensing process and timeline • Training requirements and ongoing support • The different children and youth who need foster homes • Common questions about work schedules, renting versus owning, pets, family life, and more You'll also have plenty of time to ask questions throughout the session.