Adoption Support for Kentucky virtual program recognized
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has honored a Kentucky virtual program that supports foster parenthood. Operated through the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, the Adoption Support for Kentucky–Virtual Interaction Program (ASK–VIP), received the federal agency’s 2021 Adoption Excellence Award for outstanding accomplishments in achieving permanency for America’s children waiting in foster care.
Shown with the award are, from left, UK College of Social Work Dean Jay Miller; Karen Bowman, associate director of the Training Resources Center; Lauren Lynch, ASK program director; and Missy Segress, director of Centers and Labs.
ASK–VIP provides training and 45-plus support groups for caregivers or those interested in becoming foster parents.
“The discussions are a safe space for caregivers to share their personal experiences without fear of judgment. Additionally, the program offers specialized training provided by a peer facilitator, who is also an adoptive parent,” says Miller.
The virtual component of ASK was added three years ago to make services accessible to anyone across the state. Group sessions occur at least once per week, while individual sessions occur throughout the week. “You can hop on a group at 11 a.m. or 9 p.m. at night,” he says.
You do not need to be referred and it is free. The ASK–VIP program will assess your needs and get you connected.
To learn more go to https://socialwork.uky.edu and search for Adoption Support for Kentucky. To get connected to an online support group, go to https://ceu.uky.edu/ask-vip-support. If you have questions, email ask@uky.edu, call (888)44-ASKKY or text “ASKKY”.
