Welcome to Foster Forward!

We are delighted you are here and excited to share more about our mission with you. Our staff, board of directors, volunteers, and greater community are committed to supporting lives impacted by foster care.

We’re advocates, researchers, social workers, parents, and thought leaders who are dedicated to improving the child welfare system. What started as the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association (our former name), eventually pivoted into an organization that supports young adolescents and adults who are currently or formerly in the foster care system. In addition, we manage our Storefront - a resource for all foster families who can pick up free gently used clothing, toys, and other essentials.

Mission

Foster Forward’s mission is to empower lives impacted by foster care. We have an unwavering commitment to support children and youth, families, and the child welfare system as a whole, to grow, connect, improve, and move forward.

Vision

Foster Forward is a nationally and locally recognized leader that ensures all children and youth impacted by foster care have safe, healthy, and nurturing families. We continuously innovate to provide proven programs that engage natural supports and promote healthy development.

Values

Respect: Foster Forward respects and engages the individual experiences, voices, and identities of children and youth in foster care, and the families who support them.

Credibility: Foster Forward is a valued and credible source of information, advocacy, and resources.

Innovation: Foster Forward continuously contributes to and improves the child welfare learning community through innovative partnerships and ground-breaking programs.