EPISODE 1 | What Is Foster & Kinship Care?
In the first episode of "It Takes A Village" from The Village for RI Foster and Adoptive Families we discuss the differences between traditional kinship care and foster care. We address the supports available for kinship families as kinship caregivers ourselves.
EPISODE 2 | Support for Families
In this segment of It takes A Village, program host, Sue Babin interviews Rachel Briggs, Kinship Foster Parent and Village Support Group Facilitator, who provides personal insights into her experience and presents a variety of issues for which new families seek support. In Q& A format, Sue also discusses "the Incredible Years" with Dr. Stephanie Shepard-Umaschi, Psychologist, and Director for the Evidence Based Practices, Bradley Hospital.
EPISODE 3 | Trauma and Its Impact on Children
In this episode of It Takes A Village we discuss trauma: what it means, how it affects children of all ages who are involved in foster care, how trauma impacts parenting and family life, and how people can take care of themselves so they can deal with the trauma a child has experienced.
EPISODE 4 | Resources & Opportunities
In this episode we discuss various family-friendly activities and organizations taking place throughout the state. Includes discussions with Valerie Tutson, Creative Director of RI Black Storytellers and Founder of Funda Fest, and Susan Gale, Owner and Publisher of Kidoinfo.
EPISODE 5 | Preparing Kids for Back to School
In this episode, we discuss what happens as children return to school. From the sources of anxiety to how to minimize the stress, we review the most common issues children, as well as parents, face. Moderator, a clinical social worker, and Kinship Foster Parent/Village Support Group Facilitator present resources and honest commentary on their experiences and how to manage them to the benefit of both.
EPISODE 6 | Support Groups and Information for Hispanic Foster/Adoptive Families
This episode of It Takes A Village, "Support Groups and Information for Hispanic Foster/Adoptive Families" is a discussion among hosts and group facilitators for Spanish Families, who are also Peer Mentors and Foster/Adoptive Moms. Family activities and resources are provided, including helpful links for additional information.
In Photo (L-R): Iraida Williams, Sue Babin, Minolly Saborio, Rachel Briggs, Carmen Rosario, and Diana Reynoso
EPISODE 7 | Building Relationships With Biological Families
The Village for Rhode Island Foster and Adoptive Families addresses the topic of building relationships with biological families. With host Rachel Briggs, a Foster/Adoptive Mother and guests Kim Zandy, and Maya Colantuono, both also Foster/Adoptive Mothers as well as founding members of The Village, they discuss their experiences and explore the issues surrounding the process.
In addition to the discussion, The panel offers valuable resources such as:
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Children’s Trust Fund Alliance: "Birth and Foster Parent Partnership (BFPP)”
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Administration for Children & Families (ACL): “BirthParent/Foster Parent Relationships"
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Casey Family Programs: “How can birth and foster parent partnerships help families reunify?”
EPISODE 8 | Educational Advocates
In this episode of The Village, host Rachel Briggs provides information and resources in her interviews with Sue Babin, President of The Village, and special guests: Jessica Buono, Development Coordinator, Arc Rhode Island; and Amy Rosa, Manager, Washington Park Library, Community Libraries of Providence.
EPISODE 9 | OHA Grant & Kinship Families 55+
This episode of "It Takes A Village" discusses Kinship Connections for Caregivers over the age of 55.
The panel presents the definition of "kinship families" as well as:
• Describes the goals of the grant provided to the Village for Kinship Connections for Caregivers over the age of 55
• Defines the primary functions of the Office of Healthy Aging
• Names the other partners involved with the grant to the Village
• Explores the types of supports that are available to caregivers, including Support Groups, Open Closet, Family Events, Kinship family mentors, Connections with community resources, and more
• Discusses the resources available through OHA and the United Way
EPISODE 10 | AARP
It Takes A Village presents information about the resources available to kinship families, especially those who are over the age of 55, including AARP programs offered, as presented by the featured guest.
EPISODE 12 | Spanish Language Episode
In this segment of It Takes A Village, The HeartTree, presented in Spanish, offers information about its founding, its mission, and its efforts to reach out to the 55+ age community. In an informal question and answer format, the host and panel review the benefits and resources available to kinship caregivers over 55.
EPISODE 13 | The Village Common & Macaroni Kid
This segment of "It Takes A VIllage"/"RI Kinship Community Connections" covers the Village Common as a resource for people 55+ who are looking for community support as they age in their home, and take care of their families, and Macaroni Kid, which is a go-to resource for families in their communities to connect both online and offline and find activities and programming in their local area. The interview provides an overview of both organizations, from the perspective of how it can be helpful to The Village families and Kinship 55+ families.
EPISODE 14 | Mobile Treatment Supports
Host Sue Babin. interviews Sarah Kelly-Palmer, Chief of Behavioral Health at Family Service of Rhode Island, and Beth Bixby, Chief Executive Officer from Tides Family Services. Each organization described its services, and both underscore the importance of preventative measures. Their discussion focuses on children's behavioral health and the mobile response and stabilization services (MRS) provided to families in crisis.
EPISODE 15 | Practical Help for Kinship Caregivers
Host Shannon Dos Santos, executive director of The Village for RI Foster and Adoptive Families interviews guess: Laurie Tapozada, Kinship Development Consultant for The Village for RI Foster and Adoptive Families, Grands Voice for Generations United and Kinship Grandparent, and Kelley Fluette, Co-founder of The Village for RI Foster and Adoptive Families, Kinship Grandparent and Foster Parent. The informal discussion focuses on the practical issues facing Kinship caregivers, and includes the guests' personal stories.