Casey Family Services and Child and Family Services Win Federal Grant

Casey Family Services and Child and Family Services have been awarded a federal Collaborative Post-Adoption Services grant of $180,252 yearly for up to five years, according to Ed Rennells, Casey Family Services New Hampshire Division Director. Renewable each year, the funding could total $901,160 by 2009, Rennells added.

Through the grant, families adopting through the state Department of Children, Youth and Families will be offered the opportunity to attend the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), free of charge. The program will be offered quarterly during a weekend retreat at Camp Calumet in Ossipee. The camp offers a beautiful setting where parents can attend the PREP program while their children are engaged in fun activities with trained staff. In the evenings, families will come together for camp activities, quiet time, and networking.

The program will help couples work toward strengthening their relationship skills early in their adjustment to adoption, as well as introduce adoption-related resources to families. The first retreat will occur this winter at a time and date to be announced.