Caring Connections

Is your child turning age 8 or 12 soon? Expect a call from ORPARC!

"Thank you again for all you have done for us - your guys' program was awesome and came in when I was in dire need. I appreciate everything you guys have done from the bottom of my heart." ~Caring Connections "A" family

Caring Connections offers extra supports for ODHS state adoptive or guardianship families with children turning age 8 or 12 within the quarter.

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 at 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, ORPARC staff reach out to all ODHS state-adoptive and guardianship families with *eligible children turning ages 8 or 12 within a few months time. Families receive a postcard, email and at least one therapeutic phone call and consultation 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. We ask, "How can we help?"

In addition, there might be supplementary, 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!

Curious about eligibility? Please email us at orparc@nwresource.org.

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

Caring Connections Family Testimonial!

"I think I forgot to say a HUGE THANK YOU... WOW! You have truly blessed me (and [child]/my family) over the last week. THANK YOU.

I so appreciate the time you took in contacting me, contacting [my worker] to contact me, talking with me and offering great encouragement."

~Caring Connections "H" family

"This is an amazing way to support post adoptive families and or very special kiddos. Many of the resources and help that we are given as foster parents stops after adoption. So many doors close and our journey with our kiddos are just beginning. We often do not know what needs will come up after adoption as kiddos grow.

Being able to access materials that can help us grow as parents and put new tools in our tool boxes is a priceless resource. Tangible needs change with aging kids and as with our family, one parent needs to be full time with kids while one works. This is a labor of love we are blessed to be navigating with our 3 adoptive kiddos in the home. ORPARC is a gift and we are grateful to benefit from all the ways it blesses families like ours."

~Caring Connections "T" family