WHO WE ARE
We are a private, non-profit agency. Our mission is to facilitate the permanent placement of children waiting in state care and to promote adoption as a positive way to create a family.
WHY CONTACT US
A child's goal is now adoption and there is no identified family for permanency. ARI works with approved Rhode Island and out of state pre-adoptive families hoping to be matched with a child.
Upon filing a TPR petition with RI Family Court, complete a legal risk authorization form and the registration information in RICHIST. Send this information to the DCYF Adoption Unit and they will then forward the information to ARI.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR THE WAITING CHILD
ARI adoption coordinators work with DCYF (and the child if age appropriate) to formulate an individual recruitment plan for the child. ARI advocates for the waiting child with the help of local newspapers, television, the internet, photolistings, and adoption parties. ARI has approved waiting families from RI and all over the nation registered for matching against the child.
DID YOU KNOW:
That Adoption Rhode Island works with over 200 families interested in adoption each year?
That since 2002, 52% of children who have been profiled on Tuesday's Child are now living with their permanent families?
That Adoption Rhode Island sponsors 3 adoption parties a year, attended by 250-300 families and children?
That Adoption Rhode Island can register waiting children on the national website, AdoptUSKids, thereby reaching out to thousands of prospective adoptive families?
That Adoption Rhode Island publishes "Children Who Wait", a photolisting of waiting children which is mailed to over 280 approved pre-adoptive families?
That Adoption Rhode Island offers a wide variety of support groups for waiting children?
That Adoption RI has found adoptive families for over 800 children in the past 20 years?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What if the child states that he/she doesn’t want to be adopted?
Often, children say they don’t want to be adopted because they don’t want to experience another possible rejection. Adoption RI works with adoption specialists who will help the child to understand adoption and explore what it means for that child.
What if the child lives in a residential setting that does not allow off-ground activities?
ARI will work with DCYF and the staff of the residential program to ensure that each and every child is given the opportunity to become part of a loving permanent family.
What if a member of the child’s birth family sees him/her on Tuesday’s Child?
The only contact information provided during the broadcast is that of Adoption RI. ARI fields all calls in response to a Tuesday’s Child. The name of the DCYF worker and the child's location remain confidential.
What if the child is afraid to move out-of-state?
Naturally kids resist moving. Adoption RI will help you to talk with the child about moving and their fears. Be flexible and think about presenting the option as an adventure.
What if the child has siblings with whom the child needs to maintain contact?
All types of recruitment are still appropriate for the child, including out-of-state recruitment. When a prospective family is identified, include the need for sibling contact in the presentation to the family. Let the prospective parents offer solutions such as phone calls, e-mails, videotapes, travel by car, train or plane etc…
Is the ICPC process as confusing as it sounds?
There is an ICPC Administrator who works exclusively to help you facilitate out-of-state placements. Adoption RI has guides available to help you track the steps.
If I choose an out-of-state family, where would I find the time and money to bring this child for pre-placement visits?
There are state and federal funds DCYF can access to help with transportation costs. Additionally, Adopt-Air is a program that supports interstate placements by providing free flights for recruitment and visits. Many prospective families are willing to do most of the traveling to visit the child.
WHAT OUR WAITING CHILDREN WANT YOU TO KNOW
“I would like to be adopted because I have been in DCYF care for 11 years. I would like to start my young adult life in a family rather than in a group home.”“I want to come home to a family that will always support me when I need them and make me feel like I belong.”
“In order for me to live with you, you have to be nice to me, love me and not abuse me.”
“The most special thing about adoption is the building of trust between a family and myself.”
“I want to be adopted so I don’t have to go from house…to house…to house…to school…to school…to school. I’ve been to so many.”
“I would like a family that will give me chores and allowance. I would like a family that will trust me and listen to me.”
“I am looking for a forever family with a mom and a dad who hopefully live in Providence, so that I do not belong to the state (DCYF) anymore.”
