The transition to adulthood is a critical developmental milestone for all young adults, marked by identity exploration, increased autonomy, and growth and learning as youth finish school and enter the workforce. During emerging adulthood, many young people continue to receive monetary and emotional support from … Read More
Adoption
Teens Need Families
Thousands of teens in foster care are looking for the love, support, and encouragement that families provide throughout their lives—not just until they turn 18 This year, more than 20,000 young people will leave foster care without a family. Many … Read More
Promoting Reunification as a Kin Caregiver
As a kin caregiver, you play an important role in the child welfare system by helping support the family connections that are essential to a child’s health and well-being. Because kin caregivers must navigate the often-blurred line between being a … Read More
Title IV-E University-Agency Partnership Stipend Programs: Building a Better Workforce
State and Tribal title IV-E agencies have access to Federal funds through title IV-E of the Social Security Act to apply toward the educational training of current and prospective child welfare professionals to support the provision of allowable title IV-E … Read More
InFOCUS: State Initiatives for Dual System Youth: A National Scan
The National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ) has published many groundbreaking Dual System Youth (DSY) publications in recent decades. There has been a growing body of research by NCJJ and others covering DSY issues and initiatives beginning with the When … Read More
Louisiana DCFS 2025 Annual Progress and Service Report (APSR)
INTRODUCTION: The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the state agency designated to administer and supervise the administration of child welfare services in Louisiana. DCFS provides comprehensive social services and child welfare programs: The services are provided through … Read More
Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System
This rule finalizes revisions to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations proposed on February 23, 2024. This final rule requires state Title IV-E agencies to collect and report to ACF additional data related to the … Read More
Why the Holidays Can Be Hard and How to Make Them Better by Jamerika Haynes-Lewis
When I was in foster care, I received an annual letter from a local charity. It asked which gifts I wanted for Christmas. I always asked for barbies, clothes, and a diary. When asked what I wished for the most, … Read More
New Report Emphasizes Importance of Post-permanency Services
A recent report from the National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support, Post-Permanency Services: A Worthwhile Investment, emphasizes how critical postpermanency services are in promoting child well-being and long-term permanency for adoptive and guardianship families. The publication highlights key research findings on … Read More
November Is National Adoption Month
The 2024 National Adoption Month campaign website has launched on Child Welfare Information Gateway. This year’s theme, “Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds,” emphasizes the importance of uplifting and genuinely listening to the voices of children and youth who are adopted and … Read More