Community Engagement Liaison at Adopt4Life - Ontario's Adoptive Parents Association - Toronto, ON, US
Chair, National Consortium on Aggression toward Family & Caregivers in Childhood and Adolescence
Family & Community Liaison - Aggression toward Family/Caregivers (AFCCA)
Our Mission Adopt4Life is Ontario's voice for adoptive families. VISION STATEMENT: We believe that all adoptive families have a right to advocacy, support and guidance throughout their lifelong journey. ADOPT4LIFE GOALS Adopt4Life's priorities and initiatives fall under three main areas: Advocacy: As adoptive parents, we bring the needs and priorities of adoptive families to forefront of community and political arenas by representing adoptive families at key political and community meetings and doing outreach with stakeholders and decision makers. We are Ontario's voice for adoptive families seeking to be a part of positive change. Support: Develop and maintain a locally and culturally representative peer-to-peer support network for parents & youth, offering families group and individualized support for their needs. Individualized support includes developing transition plans at various points in the adoption journey, such as at placement, to school, to a new community, through divorce, or the addition of a new sibling, or to provide advocacy with CAS, school, or mental health services. Guidance: Research and create partnerships with local organizations and agencies in order to link families with needed connections and resources, helping them along their journey so their children can reach their full potential.