Dragonfly Program

Dragonflies:

A Peer Mentor Program for Parents Involved with Child Welfare

What are Dragonflies

A dragonfly is a peer mentor who has been through what you’re going through right now.  This person is a parent who has experienced the removal of their child(ren) by the State, was reunified, and successfully closed their case. 
Dragonflies are symbolic of transformation and self realization.  They are symbolic of joy and fresh starts.  A dragonfly can help you navigate new territory with ease.

Why do I Need a Dragonfly?

Losing a child is possibly the worst thing that could happen.  Parents experience grief and find themselves more lost than ever.  A dragonfly is a ray of hope, lighting up the path ahead when all you may see is darkness.  A dragonfly can help you get back on your feet and start working toward getting your family back together. They can teach you about the Child Welfare process so you know what to expect, and can make informed decisions.  A dragonfly will empower you to be involved in safety planning for your family, and improve communication between you and your caseworker; all increasing your chances of a quick return home.  

Dragonflies are Flexible

Services are available as needed.  Dragonflies are available for phone calls, one-on-one meet ups, and attendance at appointments.  There are no requirements for how often you have to be in contact with your Dragonfly.  This is meant to be helpful, not another requirement for you to fulfill.  Your Dragonfly is available to you for the life of your case, so long as it is filling a need.  

How a Dragonfly Can Assist You?

  • Support at court hearings and meetings

  • Support setting up services and getting to appointments

  • Emotional support through one of the most difficult times in your life from someone who really knows how it feels

  • Empowerment to take charge of your life, your case, and reunify your family with wholeness. 

  • (from a parent's perspective)

    • Get my children home as soon as possible

    • Learn about the Child Welfare and courtsystems so I can make beneficial decisions about my life.

    • Have support from someone I trust, who I can confide in confidentially, and who knows what it’s like to be in my shoes.

    • Have someone help me with stressful meetings, appointments, and court hearings

      • Provide transportation

      • Take notes

      • Help me remember which questions to ask

      • Debrief after the meeting

      • Emotional support

    • Help me communicate with my caseworker so we have an equally trusting and respectful relationship

    • Help me get started in my court ordered services

    • Help me heal/rebuild my relationship with my children

    • Help me create healthy routines, self care, and a good support network in my lifees here

  • (from a parent’s perspective)

    • My family will be reunified

    • I will be on my journey of healing, making progress each day

    • I will feel confident making decisions for me and my family

    • I will have better awareness of my own trauma and how it may impact my parenting

    • I will have an expanded support network full of people I can trust, who will be there whenever I need them

    • I will have a cooperative, cordial relationship with my caseworker

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