Making sure every child in foster care has someone who cares deeply about them has been the mission of Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK) since its founding in 1988. We have witnessed the difference a committed, caring adult has in a child’s life. AASK families and mentors know first-hand how the emotional connections of enduring relationships help children heal from the trauma of abuse and neglect, and improve their chances for life-long success.
So that every child has an adult who cares, AASK recruits, trains and supports families building relationships with children through adoption and foster care. We also recruit, train and support adults who serve as mentors.
AASK programs and services are designed with the well-being of the entire family in mind. We try to make the difficult job of being a foster parent as easy as possible. That’s why we offer classes at three locations across the Valley. That’s why we have a nurse and behavioral health specialists who come to your home.
AASK offers required foster care licensing classes in English and Spanish at each location. We also offer an accelerated Saturday series.
Because each child has different needs, AASK offers programs that serve the specific needs of special populations of children in foster care, including Latinos, American Indians and children with developmental disabilities.
The AASK Kinship Foster Care program offers immediate assistance to those caring for grandchildren, nieces, nephews or siblings placed in foster care. AASK provides case management and other support services to those who unexpectedly find themselves caring for a child and dealing with the state child welfare system. When you deal with AASK, you don’t have to wait to get licensed to get help.
AASK was the first licensing agency in Arizona to establish a unit of family specialists dedicated solely to the unique needs of kinship caregivers.
AASK also operates a mentoring program focused on recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who build lasting relationships with youth in foster care. For many youth living in group homes, a mentor provides guidance, support and a sense of family.