Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) specializes in the utilization of support groups to offer pre and
post-adoptive support and training to foster and adoptive parents. ASK provides the opportunity to share
resources, suggestions, frustrations and successes with those who share the unique life experience of
adoption. ASK utilizes experienced foster and adoptive parents (ASK Adoptive Parent Liaisons (APLs))
to provide peer-led adoption support group meetings throughout the Commonwealth using various
modalities (i.e. face-to-face, online, teleconference). Groups offer a combination of support, training,
and/or relevant information – all tailored to the needs of the participants and the media/modality being
utilized. Additionally, Cabinet-approved training is provided by APLs through one-on-one meetings with
foster parents in accordance with DCBS Standard of Practice (SOP) 12:15 regarding Ongoing Foster
Parent Training. Relevant information and support can also be provided to foster and adoptive parents by
APLs via phone and e-mail. The services and support provided by ASK are open to any Kentucky
adoptive family. The program proudly serves families formed through state, private, relative, or
international adoption, as well as relative/fictive kin caregivers and foster parents with the state and
private child placing agencies.
Goal: ASK strives to prevent pre-adoptive disruptions and post-adoptive dissolutions through peer
support and training.
Objective 1: Provide professional development opportunities for ASK Adoptive Parent Liaisons
Adoptive Parent Liaisons are experienced adoptive parents who are approved by DCBS to serve in this
capacity. New Adoptive Parent Liaisons (APLs) undergo an orientation period wherein they are trained
and mentored by an experienced support group leader and/or Program Coordinator until the Program
Coordinator determines they are ready to lead a support group independently.
Program Coordinators provide at least one professional development training each year for Adoptive
Parent Liaisons. The training and information they receive may include, but is not limited to, best
practices for teaching new skills and concepts to adult learners, group facilitation strategies,
understanding and successfully navigating group dynamics, the importance of self-care, program policies
and procedures, as well as resources and training related to foster/adoptive parenting.
Objective 2: Offer peer-led support group meetings
ASK support groups are provided based on the needs of foster and adoptive parents and regional requests.
Support groups are provided at least monthly in each region based on service demand and available
funding. Groups may be provided via various platforms/modalities (i.e. face-to-face, online, etc.).
Objective 3: Provide ongoing technical support to ASK Adoptive Parent Liaisons (APLs)
Program Coordinators confer with each regional R&C Supervisor and their staff as needed to assess
Adoptive Parent Liaison’s effectiveness and receive recommendations for program improvements. They
also solicit ideas for training topics to ensure that ASK trainings are meeting the needs of the
foster/adoptive parents in the area.
Program Coordinators maintain monthly contact with APLs through email, individual calls, group
Proposed Scope of Work
University of Kentucky College of Social Work
Training Resource Center - Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) Program
July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
conference calls, face-to-face meetings, and/or site visits. The program coordinator conducts at least one
site visit with each APL annually to observe their performance and provide them with feedback. Coaching
and assistance are provided on an ongoing basis to support and enhance APL performance. Adoptive
Parent Liaisons receive professional development training related to their role with ASK at least once
each year. Program Coordinators review and approve APL reporting forms and develop trainings and
related materials for APLs to present. Additionally, coordinators assist APLs with identifying and
securing appropriate meeting locations and recruit, orient, and oversee childcare providers for ASK
meetings.
Objective 4: Publicize support groups
Program Coordinators monitor and track APL recruitment efforts and offer strategies for how APLs can
best publicize support groups in their area. An ASK website is maintained that provides the date, location,
training schedule and APL’s contact information for each support group meeting offered. An ASK
Facebook Page is also administered to promote the program.. Program Coordinators and APLs attend
adoption fairs and other events throughout the state to promote ASK services.
Objective 5: Provide support and training to foster and adoptive parents through ASK Adoptive
Parent Liaisons
ASK APLs provide support, training, and/or relevant foster/adoptive information to Kentucky’s foster and
adoptive families through various platforms and modalities (i.e. face-to-face, virtual/online, phone, secure
social media). Additionally, Cabinet-approved training may be provided by APLs through one-on-one
meetings with foster parents in accordance with the practice guidance for DCBS Standard of Practice
12:15 regarding Ongoing Foster Parent Training.
The contact information of each APL is included on regional promotional materials. APLs are available to
support foster/adoptive parents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Objective 6: Administer Adoption Awareness Campaign
Program Coordinators collaborate with the DCBS Adoptions Branch to develop an Adoption Awareness
Campaign during the month of November to help bring awareness to Kentucky’s children who are
available for adoption.
Objective 7: Develop and implement ongoing virtual service provision plans
Program staff will develop and implement continuity plans for ASK service provision using virtual
platforms and technologies. These virtual service provision plans will be executed as needed to ensure the
continuity of ASK services to foster/adoptive parents across the Commonwealth.
The University of Kentucky utilizes Subcontractor for grants.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 7/1/20 → 6/30/22 |
Funding
- KY Department of Community Based Services: $513,619.00
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