About AFPAG: What We Do

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The Adoptive and Foster Parent Association of Georgia (AFPAG) began in 1973 and was originally the Foster Parent Association of Georgia. One of the main goals is to unify all foster parents, agency representatives and communities to benefit children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and come into the foster care system for a safe, loving environment. Several years ago, adoptive parents were recognized, and the name was changed to reflect the growing number of adoptions occurring as the result of foster parents adopting their children.  Today approximately 85% of all DHR adoptions are by foster parents.   For these children, AFPAG works in cooperation with public and private welfare agencies to improve foster care and adoption processes, support foster/adoptive families and provide educational training related to family needs within the foster care system. We advocate for Foster and Adoptive Parents at the local county and state DFCS levels, as well as with the Georgia General Assembly regarding child-welfare issues that impact our families.  AFPAG is Georgia's largest advocate for foster and adoptive homes.   

Regional Support

AFPAG encourages the formation and continued development of local adoptive and foster parent associations with Regional Advocates who are local area representatives committed to giving the personal attention necessary for each area's continuing growth. This attention and leadership promotes and enhances mutual coordination, cooperation and communication among adoptive and foster parents, child welfare agencies and other community individuals directly connected with the foster and adoptive system. There are sixteen sub-regions covering the 159 counties of Georgia.  Sub-Regional VP's are AFPAG's local arms extending to support one association and county at a time.  You may contact your Sub-Regional VP with questions concerning numerous issues related to the local associations.  It is their desire to assist foster/adoptive parents in their regions.

Educational Training

AFPAG concentrates on training and education of adoptive/foster parents and others working in the fields of adoption and family foster care. This educational emphasis encourages the retention of families by preparing them to conquer the hurdles present in the child welfare system.  It also offers a format for networking and support of parents as they meet and relate to other parents who may be dealing with similar issues.  There is an educational conference held annually for families to enjoy.  The Annual Educational Conference is held each year in February at beautiful Jekyll Island, GA and is the nation's largest state foster/adoptive parent conference.  Support, networking, information and more are all part of the educational emphasis of AFPAG.

Advocate in Local and State Government

AFPAG acknowledges that there is always need for improvements, and we are always searching for and supporting viable reforms that will improve the quality of the adoption environments and family foster care. As part of our Board of Directors, we have a Legislative Chairperson who works closely with the AFPAG President and Executive Vice President to educate Georgia State Legislators about the needs and concerns of foster/adoptive families and the children in their care. We promote constructive social action needed to bring about improvements in the child welfare system and in legislation pertaining to all children and families in general as well as children in out-of-home placements.  AFPAG represents all foster and adoptive parents of the Department of Human Resources: Division of Family and Children's Services, Office of Adoptions and Georgia General Assembly.  AFPAG is the voice of families for their children.  

Promote Community Awareness

AFPAG seeks to promote community education and awareness of issues and needs of foster and adoptive care.  Board members are encouraged to speak out locally to area groups, media and interested parties on issues of concern and interest to families.  It is the association's intention to get the word out that there are children in need of families here in Georgia and that there are needs within the foster care/adoptive systems.  AFPAG publishes a quality and informative newsletter each quarter for the membership and also for distribution to other interested parties..