Caring Connections

When children turn age 8 or age 12, they are nearing times of transition and change. At age 8, children will soon experience greater demands in executive functioning, in school and from the community around them. When turning 12, children are on the cusp of adolescence when themes of self identity and belonging begin to surge.

Through the Caring Connections program, therapeutic ORPARC staff reach out to all ODHS state-adoptive and guardianship families with *eligible children. Families receive a postcard, email and at least one phone call from ORPARC staff. Upon reaching a family, we conduct a brief wellbeing assessment and review ORPARC services, referrals and resources that might be newly available or unknown to the family.

In addition, there might be additional, temporary supports available for the child (funding dependent) through giftcards or other special opportunities.

Families have been astonished at how helpful Caring Connections has been for their family!

*A child must have been adopted or entered guardianship through Oregon foster care to be eligible