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
Adoption
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 Highlights Child and Family Development Research
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its Child and Family Development Research: Fiscal Year 2023 report summarizing important research projects that seek to improve services for children and families. For … 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
Cultivating Connections: A Message From Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston
Each November, we celebrate National Adoption Month by raising awareness of the many children in foster care awaiting loving, permanent homes. This month is also a time to celebrate the professionals who support these young people on their paths to … Read More
Supporting a Positive Racial Identity for Black, Indigenous, and Other Children of Color in Transracial Placements with White Parents
Part 1: Setting the stage This guide is designed to help parent group leaders facilitate discussions with their groups about their responsibilities as they parent children of color. These discussions will specifically help white parents and caregivers understand their critical … Read More
Advancing the Key Elements of Whole Child Health: State Case Studies and Policy Recommendations
Introduction This report, written by members of the Whole Child Health Alliance and informed by more than 30 interviews, includes case studies of three states — North Carolina, Massachusetts and Washington — that have designed and begun to implement the … Read More
FAMILY JUSTICE JOURNAL
INTRODUCTION In January, as I finished giving testimony in our state legislature, the chair of the committee spoke up. She knew the dependency case involving my grandson had just ended. “Congratulations,” she said, “on finalizing the adoption of your grandson.” … Read More
Helping Children and Youth Maintain Relationships With Birth Families
Children and youth who are adopted need to maintain relationships with their birth families, previous caregivers, or other important connections, and it is vital that their parents support them in doing so. Nurturing these relationships is in the best interests … Read More