Child Welfare

This webpage provides information on recent policy, practice, and advocacy advances that address the educational barriers and supports needed for students in foster care. The webpage provides links to resources for youth; guidance and regulatory information; and resources on educational stability, special education, postsecondary education and training, and more. Learn ...

This report (PDF, 3 pages) summarizes the goals of federal child welfare policy and shares examples of federally funded child welfare programs. Learn more (PDF 3 pages). 

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 webpage contains resources to help states and communities take advantage of the best available evidence to prevent violence. These documents cover a variety of topics impacting young people and families, including:  Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  Child Abuse and Neglect  Intimate Partner Violence  Sexual Violence  Suicide  Youth Violence  Frequently asked questions and tips on implementing Resources for ...

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 ...

November is National Adoption Month (NAM). NAM seeks to increase national awareness of adoption issues, bring attention to the need for adoptive families for teens in the foster care system, and emphasize the value of youth engagement. This year's theme, "Empowering Youth: Finding Points of Connection," emphasizes professionals' important role ...

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. The 2023 theme is, “Taking Care of Our Military Families.” This webpage contains an overview of National Veterans and Military Families Month as well as a video, podcasts, and resources on navigating parenting, adoption, family and relationship dynamics, and more. Learn more.  ...