Children are “not returnable” or so we would like to think.  Unfortunately, many children in the child welfare system have been bounced around from family to family or to group homes because of “unmanageable” behavior.  Currently foster parents only need give a 30-day notice to have a child removed.  Adoptive parents who feel that they cannot handle their children and do not have the support services have returned the children back into the foster care system.  Cruel as it may seem, parents and caregivers many times feel they have no choice but to opt for these extreme measures.  Many times these disruptions could have been prevented with the right services and tools to make their family unit work.    In a study of foster/adoptive parents by the Child Welfare Information Gateway it was noted, “Even experienced parents need help from others. Children, who have been abused or neglected, require parents who are flexible and willing to learn new parenting skills. Although these parents may have once felt competent and confident about raising children, they soon realize many of their former tried and true parenting techniques don't work and they need help..."

The “No Return” initiative will provide South Florida foster and adoptive parents therapeutic services (not covered by Medicaid) at low or no cost through our network of providers as well as parenting classes.  FACS will offer parenting classes and workshops throughout the year a low or no cost.  In addition, scholarships will be available to pay for additional classes, seminars or parenting skills coaching on an as need basis.