Administration for Children and Families

This webpage outlines resources on addressing crises that occur in schools and school communities and how to move forward in the aftermath of these crises. Learn more. 

This letter (PDF, 5 pages) provides information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) time-limit work requirement. The newly established ABAWD exceptions exempt youth who are experiencing homelessness and young adults who are exiting foster care from the three-month time-limit. Learn more (PDF, ...

This bulletin (PDF, 19 pages) outlines the importance of youth engagement and provides caseworkers with key concepts and tangible strategies to apply to their practice. Learn more. 

This webpage features umbrella summaries that highlight findings from the workforce literature to address pertinent child welfare workforce challenges. Umbrella summaries provide a synopsis of the published meta-analyses of a specific workforce topic. Each summary highlights the implications of the research for child welfare professionals. Learn more.  ...

In this 2023 National Adoption Month webinar recording, child welfare professionals and young people who have navigated out-of-home care discuss the critical role of connection in the lives of youth. The webinar explores concrete and successful strategies to empower professionals to better connect with youth, ultimately fostering a sense of ...

This webpage shares resources to help child welfare professionals as they permanency plan with youth. The webpage provides links to resources on culturally responsive practices, identity development, and youth engagement. Learn more. 

This resource list shares links to support young people’s transitional needs and help them develop the skills needed for independent living after exiting foster care. The resources are divided into the following programmatic and practice areas:   Life Skills Assessment  General Educational Services  Postsecondary Educational Support  Career Preparation  Employment Programs and Vocational Training   Budget and Financial Management  Housing ...

This webpage shares best practices for engaging young adult lived experience experts in helping child welfare agencies better support the ongoing needs of young people currently and formerly in foster care. The webpage contains resources and webinar recordings on topic areas such as youth and young adult engagement, financial assistance, ...

This guide (PDF, 22 pages) provides resources to assess and address social influences of health and education (SIHE) affecting students, their families, and communities. The resource provides tools and practical strategies for identifying root causes of identified or emerging problems and shares effective interventions to reduce social and environmental barriers ...

This webpage shares stories from youth and adoptive families about the importance of youth having their voices heard and the impact building a relationship based on mutual trust can have on a young person’s life. Child welfare professionals may use these stories to help discuss permanency planning with youth. Learn ...