YES Institute, in partnership with Family Resource Center (FRC), has created a groundbreaking program to train foster parents in Miami-Dade County on communication, gender, and orientation. YES is now part of the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parents (MAPP) courses that are required for all foster parents, with a goal of creating 15 families trained to respond appropriately to youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. YES Institute also trains the FRC foster care staff responsible for providing ongoing support to these families.

Currently, there are 6 beds available for youth who have been rejected by their caregivers and are at immediate risk of homelessness. YES’ partnership with FRC could serve as a model for child support systems throughout the nation.

“I am delighted that FRC and YES Institute are collaborating to provide this needed service. Our goal is to make this program as comprehensive and life-affirming as possible.” - Dr. Oren Wunderman, Executive Director, FRC

For more information on how to become a foster parent trained in this program, contact Franklin Gomez of FRC at 786-236-0582.

“I’ve met a number of homeless youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Many were on the run from the foster care system. They’d been bullied in school and at home, and had fallen through the cracks of every available support service. Seeing this program come together is a dream come true.” - Amy Rolnick, YES volunteer