Rhode Island foster care and adoption guidelines

Thank you for your interest in helping the children in the child welfare system. Although this journey is not for everyone, it can be the most rewarding decision you will ever make. The journey can be long and at times frustrating, but we are here to give you support and encouragement along the way for as long as you need or want it.

Contact information

Adoption Rhode Island
Contact: Beth Capron
Email: bcapron@adoptionri.org
Phone: 401-865-6000

Things you should know

• Foster care and adoption licensing requirements
• Agency contact and orientation information
• Post-adoption support services
• Information on Rhode Island's children

Foster care and adoption licensing requirements

To start the journey to become a foster parent,  attend a monthly information meeting (currently being held virtually).  These meetings will explain the steps of the adoption process, provide an overview of children waiting to be adopted and the rewards and challenges involved. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and request an application.

If you are ready to begin the application process, you can contact Adoption Rhode Island for guidance on next steps.

• All families will need to complete a background check and fingerprinting and provide references. 
• A medical clearance form will be sent to your doctor. 

Once all the above steps have been completed, you will be on your way to becoming a licensed foster and/or pre-adoptive family.

Agency contact and orientation information

Information meetings held virtually:

Foster care training, kinship care training and adoption preparation

Department of Children Youth and Families
101 Friendship St., Providence, RI 02903
401-528-3700

Private or therapeutic foster care agencies

Information on children

There are 2,509 children in foster care in Rhode Island; 382 of these children are waiting for adoptive families. For more information, contact:

The Department of Children Youth and Families
Contact: Lori D’Alessio
101 Friendship St., Providence, RI 02903
401-528-3700