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The National Voice of Foster Parents


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BECOME A
FOSTER PARENT

In foster care, children are provided with a safe, nurturing, loving family for a temporary period of time.

          • It's Challenging
          • It's Rewarding
          • It's Life Changing


2021 Annual Membership Meeting

The NFPA Executive Director and the NFPA President of the Board of Directors met on Saturday, October 2, 2021 to host the 2021 Annual Membership Meeting. Progress of the NFPA during 2020 was highlighted.

The Annual Membership Meeting can be seen on the NFPA Facebook page, or can be viewed below.

To download a copy of the NFPA 2020 Annual Report, click HERE.

The Approved 2020 Meeting Minutes are found HERE.



Online Seminar Opportunity

Resources for Caregivers of Children on the Autism Spectrum

This year, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has hosted two free webinars with national experts to raise awareness about how law enforcement can search for and support children on the autism spectrum. On October 27, 2021, at 10am EDT, we are facilitating a conversation about Resources for Caregivers of Children on the Autism Spectrum.

Our presenters will provide tools and resources for a proactive approach to help ensure the safety, security, and well-being of these children. Joy Paluska will share NCMEC’s data and free resources specific to children on the autism spectrum. Lauren Coffren from NCMEC’s Exploited Children Division will discuss online enticement and NCMEC’s resources to combat these issues. Travis Akins, founder of Growth Through Opportunity (GTO) Cadets will discuss his organization’s training for first responders and how these programs teach job, life, and social skills for youth with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder while also providing first responders firsthand exposure on how to enhance positive encounters. Deputy Sheriff Greg Jones from San Bernardino County will discuss his law enforcement organization’s Safe Return program which is designed to assist Law Enforcement agencies during contacts with community members who have children on the autism spectrum to ensure their safe return if they wander or bolt from their environment. The goal is for parents and caregivers to have as much information as possible to advocate for these children and youth.

This online seminar is free and open to the public. If you would like to attend, please Register here by Monday, October 25. If you are not able to join us live the recording will be hosted on NCMEC CONNECT. If you have any questions, please reach out to Joy Paluska in NCMEC’s Missing Children Division by emailing her at jepaluska@ncmec.org.

REGISTER HERE

Sincerely,
John E. Bischoff III, D.Eng.
Vice President, Missing Children Division
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
703-837-6343
JBischoff@ncmec.org



GET INVOLVED

NFPA has an important mission to support the care givers of our nation's most vulnerable children and youth.  What can you do?

    • Volunteer - As a volunteer based organization, NFPA relies on people like you.  Join one of our committees, volunteer to support our events, or even help provide content for our website
    • Join the Friends of NFPA - make a monthly donation pledge and be recognized for your on-going support.
    • Donate - Make a one-time donation by check or credit card. 
    • Become a Member - membership is open to any individual concerned with the welfare of children in the foster care system.

WALK ME HOME

Walk Me Home.... to the place I belong is the signature fund-raising and awareness event for foster care in America. We know not everyone can be a foster parent, but Walk Me Home is a great way to support the over 437,000 children in foster care. 

This year thousands and thousands of walkers will participate in Walk Me Home events across the country, raising funds to support the life changing programs and activities of foster care associations throughout the United States.  

Learn more about how to get involved here. 

ABOUT NFPA

The National Foster Parent Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization established in 1972 as a result of the concerns of several independent groups that felt the country needed a national organization to meet the needs of foster families in the United States.

Today, NFPA has grown from an original group of 926 foster parents, 210 social workers and 59 other professionals to an organization that represents thousands of foster families nationwide through foster parent affiliates.

This mission of the NFPA is to be a respected national voice for foster, kinship, and adoptive families through networking, education, and advocacy.


In Memoriam

This year, the National Foster Parent Association mourns the loss of two long-time advocates whose commitment to our mission of education, networking, and advocacy made a significant difference over many decades.

Jean Fiorito began connecting with NFPA in the early 90s serving on our Board of Directors and also as a valued consultant.  Her sense of humor, warmth, and friendship was greatly valued.

Mike Peterson began connecting with NFPA in the late 80s.  His commitment to improving policies and practices was valued and he was a role model for Board members, members, and colleagues from other organizations as well. 

Please join the NFPA Board of Directors and Staff in thinking about Jean and Mike.  May their memories continue to enable all of us to do good!



The National Foster Parent Association is excited to announce our 50th Education Conference, FORWARD, will be hosted virtually this year.

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The National Foster Parent Association is a champion for the thousands of families that open their hearts and their homes to the over 400,000 children in out-of-home placement in the US. The NFPA believes in the importance of family-based care for foster children and that every child deserves support and a permanent family.

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