Parents' Corner is a resource created just for you—a place where you can go for information and inspiration.

One great way to stay informed about issues pertinent to resource families in Vermont is to join the Vermont Resource Families Listserv.

Vt Resource Families Listserv

A list created and maintained by the Vermont Foster/Adoptive Family Association as a place where resource families (e.g., foster parents, adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, and respite care providers) mentors, staff, and others can share ideas, information, and resources.

This group is not listed publicly; however, anyone may join by visiting the website. 

Creating a Profile

Creating a profile will allow you to access other features on the website, change your settings, participate in chats, and post materials. To create a profile, go to the website and click on "Sign In" at the top. If you do not have a yahoo username and password, you will be asked to create one. You can use the email features without creating a profile but won’t be able to access the website.

Receiving Emails

You may choose to receive emails in a number of ways:

• Individual - all emails are sent as they are received.
• Digest - all emails for the day are sent in one email. Many people prefer this option because it cuts down on the number of emails they receive. If you choose this option, however, attachments are not included. If the email tells you there were attachments, you must visit the website to get them.
• Announcements - receive only emails sent by the listserv manager marked as special announcements. This feature is not used often.

Sending Emails

You may send a message from the website or by using the following address:vtresourcefamilies@yahoogroups.com. Currently the listserv is monitored, which means that messages are approved before they go to the listserv.

Replying to Emails

If you hit reply, your response goes to everyone on the list. Be careful what you say. If you want to respond to the individual who sent the email, copy the email address into the “To” box. This is the most common mistake people make and one of the reasons why the list is monitored.

Other Features

There are a number of additional features on the website. You must create a profile and logon to the site to be able to access them.

Calendar

Anyone can access and add events. Current trainings and meetings are listed.

Files

Click on folders to see the files inside.Click on the pad to open the document. You can find things here like the scholarship application and VFAFA by-laws. You may post files or send them to drobie@shoreham.net

Chats

Online discussions in real time can occur with others who are logged onto the website.You can also set a specific time to have a focused or informal discussion.If you are interested, send an email to the listserv and see what the response is.

Another Way to Join

You can also skip the steps listed above, send your email address to Diane Robie at drobie@shoreham.net, and ask her to add you to the listserv.