Login | Home Parent Education and Support The RI Dept. of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) partnered with the Coalition and formed the Family Support Council to improve the continuum of support services available to all families in Washington County. Because 42% of Washington County children placed in foster care, end up in placements outside the county, the council began focusing their attention on recruiting and supporting foster families in the area. The Council has also been working to improve area support services to families so that out-of-home placements can be prevented. In 2005, the Council began 2 innovative pilot projects: Community Resource Consultation Twice a month, mental health professionals consult with Curtis Corner Middle School Personnel in order to link identified at-risk children and families with available community programs and resources. Foster Care Support Program Provides help to foster parent applicants in navigating the tedious licensing process; Helps license the unlicensed foster homes (usually relatives and friends) where children are already placed; and Provides intensive clinical support and case management to those children and foster families at high risk for placement failure/disruption. In 2006, the Council seeks to expand respite care services available to stressed families. For further information contact: Suzan Morris, DCYF, 294-5350 or Suzan.Morris@dcyf.ri.gov