A tip sheet from the Capacity Building Center for Tribes, Trauma-Informed Practice Strategies to Support Indigenous Transition-Aged Youth, offers actionable guidance to tribal child welfare programs and

Strategies to Support Indigenous Transition-Aged Youth

A tip sheet from the Capacity Building Center for Tribes, <a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/index.php/2023/03/01/trauma-informed-practice-strategies-to-support-indigenous-transition-aged-youth/" rel="nofollow">Trauma-Informed Practice Strategies to Support Indigenous Transition-Aged Youth</a>, offers actionable guidance to tribal child welfare programs and caseworkers for supporting Indigenous youth in foster care. It outlines strategies to help these youth strengthen their connections to their tribe, culture, and traditions and access essential resources to navigate their foster care experiences and transition into adulthood.
The tip sheet emphasizes the importance of preserving and nurturing Indigenous youth&#39;s ties to their tribal heritage, culture, and traditions. It offers practical recommendations for tribal child welfare programs and caseworkers to facilitate these connections, acknowledging the significance of these elements in the well-being of Indigenous youth in foster care.
Moreover, the tip sheet addresses the concrete needs of Indigenous youth during their foster care journeys. It provides insights into the challenges they may face and offers solutions for caseworkers and programs to support them effectively. This includes guidance on accessing essential resources and support networks, which are crucial for Indigenous youth to navigate the complexities of the foster care system and transition successfully into adulthood.
By offering these dual focuses on preserving cultural connections and addressing practical needs, the tip sheet can equip tribal child welfare programs and caseworkers with knowledge and tools to provide holistic and culturally sensitive care to Indigenous youth in foster care. It encourages a trauma-informed approach to ensure that youth receive the support they require, not only during their time in foster care but also as they transition into independent adulthood.
Read the Capacity Building Center for Tribes&#39; tip sheet, <a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/index.php/2023/03/01/trauma-informed-practice-strategies-to-support-indigenous-transition-aged-youth/" rel="nofollow">Trauma-Informed Practice Strategies to Support Indigenous Transition-Aged Youth</a>.

December 2023/January 2024

Written by Associate Commissioner Aysha E. Schomburg I am writing this message in the early morning hours from my hotel in Seattle. I am here attending the Runaway and Homeless Youth training, which is

The Other Side of Joy, A Message From Aysha E. Schomburg

Written by Associate Commissioner Aysha E. Schomburg
I am writing this message in the early morning hours from my hotel in Seattle. I am here attending the Runaway and Homeless Youth training, which is convened by our sister bureau, the Family and Youth Services Bureau. Yesterday was my first full day in attendance and I was scheduled to give remarks during the opening plenary about the Children’s Bureau’s support for youth and young adults. Before I went on stage, a video was shown titled “Just Because I’m Fine, Does Not Mean That I Am OK.” It was created by a young, spoken-word artist named Amea Smith, who reminded us about the depths of depression, coping mechanisms, and the taboo of speaking about it in the Black community. In my mind, she described it as a multigenerational disease, and, ever so poignantly, she said “we don’t talk about that.” Just like that, she inspired me to write about it.
The video ended and the lights came on. My heart was beating so fast. For a split second I wanted to hide. The video left an invisible part of me feeling seen. My brain was telling me to walk on the stage, my heart was telling me it was my turn to confess. I followed both. I walked up to the podium, stood in front of the mic, and transparency prevailed.
I confessed to the crowd of about 900 people that I’ve spent the majority of my life fighting depression. I told them that just before Thanksgiving, I had returned from a trip to Ghana where I visited the Cape Coast, toured the dungeons, and imagined families being tortured. The tour guide told us that “women and children were often a ‘two-fer’.” That means that they were two for the price of one. Buy one, get one free? The thought is beyond devastating. Multigenerational trauma is real. DNA is also real. How do you escape your own ancestral wiring? What the video made crystal clear is that too many young people—whether runaway, in foster care, both, or neither—are depressed and paralyzed by silence and shame. The depth of sorrow is real.
In February of this year, we held a 2-day convening with 25 young adult ambassadors from all over the United States. We brought them together to inform planning and policymaking at the Children’s Bureau. You know what they told us? That, in addition to housing and financial literacy, mental health support was among the top three urgent priorities for young people impacted by foster care. 
There’s a song called “People” by an artist named Libianca. In it, she sings: “Did you check on me? Did you look for me? Did you notice me?” 
The holidays are here, but what becomes of the young person for whom mistletoes, merriment, and magic are not within reach? They exist on the other side of joy. There is a young person in your life who may not be OK. Check on them.

December/January 2024

A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, spotlights the achievements of three project teams awarded the State and Tribal Indian Child Welfare

Report Spotlights the ICWA Implementation Partnership Grant Project and 2023 Summit

A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, spotlights the achievements of three project teams awarded the State and Tribal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Implementation Partnership Grant by the Children&#39;s Bureau in 2016. <a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/resources/2023ICWAImplementationProjectOverviewandSummitReport.pdf?utm_source&#61;Center&#43;for&#43;Tribes&#43;Outreach&amp;utm_campaign&#61;598600d712-activeeffortsemail_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_term&#61;0_c52045c6a7-598600d712-380834570" rel="nofollow">ICWA Implementation Partnership Grant Project Overview &amp; 2023 Summit Report</a> showcases the accomplishments of the project teams and where they hope to continue their work, from disseminating toolkits to expanding training programs and partnerships.
The report offers lessons learned, best practices, strategies, and links to newly created resources for those seeking to improve ICWA compliance and child welfare in tribal communities. Common themes about the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of the project work arose from interviews with the project team and include the following:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>&#34;Collaboration is at the center of the work and should be consistently examined for appropriate engagement, participation, and structure.&#34;</li><li>&#34;Data collection is a sensitive issue when working with tribes because of mistrust caused by historic exploitation.&#34;</li><li>“It is vital to practice cultural humility, to understand racism exists, and to be humble to the knowledge this work means something different for Native American people than it does to non-Natives.”</li></ul>
The report also provides a summary of the 2023 ICWA Implementation Summit held in Minneapolis, MN. This summit provided a collaborative platform for the project teams to gather, reflect on their achievements, and discuss the challenges they encountered. The summit served as a dynamic forum for sharing knowledge, experiences, and strategies. Discussion included general insights about why these collaborations were beneficial and who makes up the ideal collaborative, as well as specific project site components, big ideas, and dos and don&#39;ts.
Access the <a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/resources/2023ICWAImplementationProjectOverviewandSummitReport.pdf?utm_source&#61;Center&#43;for&#43;Tribes&#43;Outreach&amp;utm_campaign&#61;598600d712-activeeffortsemail_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_term&#61;0_c52045c6a7-598600d712-380834570" rel="nofollow">full report</a> for resources and insights into the collaboration that can be applied to other projects.

Tribal child welfare programs operate with culturally specific values and standards. Those who interact with these systems and communities must do so using culturally responsive practices, language, and

Lessons Learned From the Center for Native Child and Family Resilience 

Tribal child welfare programs operate with culturally specific values and standards. Those who interact with these systems and communities must do so using culturally responsive practices, language, and behaviors. The Center for Native Child and Family Resilience (CNCFR) recently created a new web section detailing lessons learned from its work supporting child welfare prevention and intervention practices and strategies designed by and for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. The CNCFR was previously known as the National Quality Improvement Center for Preventive Services and Interventions in Indian Country and was a Children’s Bureau-funded project that ran between 2017 and 2022. As such, it is not technically considered an Indigenous organization, according to the introduction to the lessons learned web section. 
Therefore, the lessons describe efforts that contributed to ensuring that a non-Indigenous organization was successful in collaborating with tribal organizations and communities and creating materials for their child welfare programs. The lessons learned are organized into the following three sections, each of which uses written and audio stories to highlight how adjusting practices, behavior, language, and attitudes led to better results:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Partnership</li><li>Information Gathering</li><li>Evaluation</li></ul>
The Partnership section details how CNCFR staff cultivated genuine, authentic partnerships with tribal organizations and communities. One of those strategies involved participating in a Ribbon Ceremony and sharing information about themselves. Successful relationship building can help bridge intercultural gaps, promote bidirectional learning, and foster a sense of trust.  
Stories in the Information Gathering section build on the importance of developing a foundation of trust. They feature anecdotes about being present, being prepared to “fail forward” (learn from mistakes and improve after missteps), and valuing the role of empathy and trust in communication.
The Evaluation section of the lessons learned is coming soon. Learn more and explore these valuable lessons and anecdotes on the <a href="https://cncfr.jbsinternational.com/lessons-learned" rel="nofollow">CNCFR website</a>.

The Capacity Building Center for Tribes (Center for Tribes) helps American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) child welfare programs that receive title IV-B or IV-E funding build staff capacity, strengthen organizational

Updates From the Capacity Building Center for Tribes

The <a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/tribes" rel="nofollow">Capacity Building Center for Tribes</a> (Center for Tribes) helps American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) child welfare programs that receive title IV-B or IV-E funding build staff capacity, strengthen organizational systems, enhance programs, and improve tribal-state working relationships with the ultimate goal of achieving improved outcomes for AI/AN children, youth, and families.
The information and resources available from the Center for Tribes focus on these key practice areas:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Data and evaluation</li><li>Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)</li><li>Partnerships</li><li>Professional development</li><li>Strengthening families</li><li>Systems and organizations</li><li>Titles IV-B and IV-E</li><li>Trafficking prevention</li><li>Trauma and healing</li></ul>
Many of these materials and tools were created by the Center for Tribes for tribal child welfare professionals. They are accessible via the Tribal Information Exchange, the Center for Tribes&#39; searchable repository that compiles relevant multimedia designed and delivered by the Center for Tribes as well as tools and resources from tribes.
Updates:
<a href="https://maine.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e5_MiEzQRX2ZTKSYpaCudw#/registration" rel="nofollow">Registration</a> is now open for the December 13, 2023, session of the Data System Procurement for Tribal Child Welfare Programs Webinar Series. Hosts from the Center for Tribes and the Division of State Systems will provide a detailed framework of best practices in planning for and procuring a new case management system. Facilitators will also connect participants with resources, technical assistance, and peer supports.
Some of the Center for Tribes&#39; newest materials include the following:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list&#61;PLR4JDLysJ7WM5z8knD4g9-BMFNVBuKngn" rel="nofollow">Gender Diversity Webinar Series</a>: A three-part series that helps tribal child welfare professionals build their knowledge and identify strategies to increase their understanding, acceptance, and support of youth and families who are LGBTQIA2S&#43; (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit, or other gender or sexual identity).</li><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/products/2023-09%20-%20Recruiting%20and%20Supporting%20Resource%20Families%20Resource%20List.pdf" rel="nofollow">Recruiting and Supporting Resource Families in Tribal Communities</a>: A list of resources, such as publications, tools, trainings, and more, that tribal child welfare professionals can use in their work with resource families.</li></ul>
The ICWA resource lists below also appear in the Center for Tribes’ Tribal Information Exchange:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ICWAResourcesforStatesandTribes.pdf" rel="nofollow">ICWA Resources for States and Tribes</a></li><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/products/ActiveEffortsResourceList.pdf" rel="nofollow">Active Efforts Resource List</a></li><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/products/ICWAPlacementPreferences.pdf" rel="nofollow">Placement Preferences Resource List</a></li><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/products/QEWResource.pdf" rel="nofollow">Qualified Expert Witnesses Resource List</a></li></ul>
In addition to an extensive collection of resources, the Center for Tribes also offers peer networking activities and tailored expert consultation. For more information, explore the Center for Tribes’ <a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/tribes" rel="nofollow">website</a>, the <a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/" rel="nofollow">Tribal Information Exchange</a>, or email <a href="mailto:info&#64;cbc4tribes.org" rel="nofollow">info&#64;cbc4tribes.org</a>.

Every November in celebration of National Adoption Month, the Children’s Bureau, within the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recognizes individuals,

2023 Adoption Excellence Awardees Announced

Every November in celebration of National Adoption Month, the Children’s Bureau, within the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recognizes individuals, families, and organizations for their outstanding contributions to providing permanency for children in foster care through the Adoption Excellence Awards.
This year’s recipients for each award category were recently announced and include the following:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Family Contributions:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle; list-style-position: inside;"><li>The Parker Family of Beaverton, OR</li></ul>
</li><li>Individuals/Professionals:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle; list-style-position: inside;"><li>Toni Oliver of Atlanta, GA</li><li>Kim Stevens of Londonderry, VT</li><li>Amber Nagorski of Lawton, OK</li><li>Beth Hardman of Murray, UT</li><li>Jillana Goble of Portland, OR</li></ul>
</li><li>Media/Public Awareness of Adoption From Foster Care:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle; list-style-position: inside;"><li>Marcia Cipriani of Farmington Hills, MI</li></ul>
</li><li>Child Welfare/Judicial Systemic Change:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle; list-style-position: inside;"><li>Erie County Department of Social Services – Adoption Units of Buffalo, NY</li></ul>
</li></ul>
To learn more, read the <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/adoption-excellence-awardees-announced-adoption-psas-released?utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_source&#61;govdelivery" rel="nofollow">press release</a> from the Administration for Children and Families. Read more award information, including a description of each recipient’s work, in the document <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/grant-funding/adoption-excellence-awards-year-2023" rel="nofollow">Adoption Excellence Awards 2023</a> on the Children&#39;s Bureau website.

Written by Children's Bureau Division of State Systems staff The Children’s Bureau’s Division of State Systems (DSS) collaborates with agencies to review Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Systems

Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System News

Written by Children&#39;s Bureau Division of State Systems staff
The Children’s Bureau’s Division of State Systems (DSS) collaborates with agencies to review Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Systems (CCWIS). DSS prioritizes technical assistance and guidance to help agencies prevent or improve compliance issues negatively affecting child welfare outcomes and program administration. In this article, DSS is pleased to share a few common challenges and suggested mitigation strategies, as well as a list of upcoming webinars. For more examples and technical assistance, please contact your <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/state-and-tribal-assignments" rel="nofollow">assigned federal analyst</a>.
Change Management and User Adoption
Challenge: While a new CCWIS has the potential to support improved practice, introduce automation, and improve effectiveness and efficiency, even the best system requires an agency to spend significant time and resources on organizational change management (OCM).
Risks:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Many people are inherently resistant to change, which can result in a reluctance to learn or use the CCWIS. Project teams often underestimate how strong the resistance may be and fail to have mitigation strategies in place.</li><li>Inadequate training, or training delivered by instructors (or vendors) unfamiliar with child welfare practice, frustrates end users and leads to poor adoption of the new system.</li><li>Agency leadership must be actively involved in the project, especially in identifying project goals and communicating the value and importance to end users and partners. However, their involvement is often inadequate. </li></ul>
Mitigation Strategies:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Agencies should invest time and money to support a comprehensive OCM strategy.</li><li>The <a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/mapping-c-i-ccwis" rel="nofollow">Mapping Change and Implementation to CCWIS Projects toolkit</a> outlines key factors to consider during all stages of your modernization effort, from planning to implementation to operations.</li><li>Use <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/ccwis-tb-7" rel="nofollow">CCWIS self-assessment tools</a> at all stages of planning and development.</li><li>There should be clear and frequent communication throughout the project lifecycle, supported by agency leadership. Agency leaders should be engaged in the project to ensure end users understand the reasons for the new system and any potential benefits provided by the CCWIS. As we’ve noted in several of our communications, CCWIS projects should be treated as a child welfare effort, not an information technology project.</li><li>Training programs should be led by instructors familiar with child welfare practice.</li><li>Governance should include caseworkers, supervisors, and those with lived experience.</li><li>There should be comprehensive user acceptance testing from actual system users.</li><li>There should be &#34;champions&#34; in local, county, and regional offices.</li></ul>
 Data Migration
Challenge: Most legacy systems contain critical child welfare data that must be available and accessible to a CCWIS to ensure the continuity and consistency of care for children. Transferring large volumes of structured and unstructured data is a complicated process that is fraught with risk. Agencies frequently underestimate the planning needed and costs involved in migrating data from their legacy systems.
Risks:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Technical glitches, poor planning, or human error can lead to data loss or corruption.</li><li>Downtime for the legacy system during the migration process may result in disruption to child welfare services.</li><li>Insufficient data mapping or integration errors will lead to poor data quality.</li><li>Agencies can get locked into a particular cloud vendor, leading to limited flexibility, potential dependency, and unexpected expenses. </li></ul>
Mitigation Strategies:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Spend more time on planning, preparation, data cleaning, and data mapping than you anticipate. This will help avoid data migration issues that could result in extended maintenance and operations of the legacy system.</li><li>Involve end users and test, test, test!</li><li>Create a universal data dictionary and ensure data are mapped to a standard across the whole system.</li></ul>
Cost Management
Challenge: CCWIS projects are costing more and taking longer than most agencies expect. Scope creep due to poorly defined requirements leads to increased costs. Licensing and cloud storage fees regularly increase, and sometimes more than planned. 
Risks:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>There is a lack of product knowledge on the agency team to hold vendors accountable.</li><li>A lack of upfront planning results in future change requests.</li><li>There is an inadequate allocation of resources to manage or deliver the project.</li><li>Inaccurate budget predictions lead to budget shortfalls in the later stages of a project.</li></ul>
Mitigation Strategies:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Define the project scope in contracts using specific deliverables, goals, and timelines.</li><li>Ensure end users understand what is and what is not included in the project. Set realistic expectations and maintain ongoing and transparent communication, especially when potential changes will affect the scope, budget, or time.</li><li>Prioritize project requirements and features that are essential versus optional.</li><li>Perform regular risk analysis. While DSS does not require independent verification and validation on every project, it is strongly encouraged.</li><li>Track changes against a baseline, including the impact on the scope, schedule, and budget.</li><li>Iterative or incremental development practices (such as Agile or prototyping) can support flexibility to changing requirements and prevent rework.</li></ul>
Upcoming Webinar
&#34;CCWIS New Year – Open Discussion&#34; January 31, 2024 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET
This webinar, hosted by Tresa Young, director of the Division of State Systems, will summarize technical assistance and review activities over the year, trends in CCWIS implementation, and plans moving forward. This state- and tribe-only webinar will limit registration to attendees with a state or tribal email address. If you have any topics or questions you would like to hear addressed in this webinar, please send them to <a href="mailto:CCWIS.Questions&#64;acf.hhs.gov" rel="nofollow">CCWIS.Questions&#64;acf.hhs.gov</a> by January 19, 2024. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar conversation. The registration link will be sent closer to the date of the webinar.

The Children's Bureau website hosts information on child welfare programs, funding, monitoring, training and technical assistance, laws, statistics, research, federal reporting, and much more. Recent additions

The Children&#39;s Bureau website hosts information on child welfare programs, funding, monitoring, training and technical assistance, laws, statistics, research, federal reporting, and much more. 
Recent additions or updates to the site include the following:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/tribal-consultation-nprms" rel="nofollow">ACF Invitation for Tribal Consultation on Notice of Proposed Rulemakings</a> [Letter to tribal leaders]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/grant-funding/adoption-excellence-awards-year-2023" rel="nofollow">Adoption Excellence Awards for the Year 2023</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/funding-support-lgbtq-families" rel="nofollow">Federal Funding to Support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, Plus (LGBTQIA2S&#43;) Children, Youth, Young Adults, and Families</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/fundamentals-change-implementation-systems" rel="nofollow">&#34;Fundamentals of Change and Implementation in Child Welfare Information Systems&#34;</a> [Webinar recording, presentation slides]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/grant-funding/fy-2023-discretionary-grant-awards" rel="nofollow">FY 2023 Children&#39;s Bureau Discretionary Grant Awards</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/engaging-17-year-olds-nytd-survey" rel="nofollow">Tips for Engaging 17-Year-Olds in the NYTD Survey</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/social-media-engage-nytd-survey" rel="nofollow">Tips for Using Social Media to Locate and Engage Young People in the NYTD Survey</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/technology-engage-nytd-survey" rel="nofollow">Tips for Using Technology to Locate and Engage 19- and 21-Year-Olds in the NYTD Survey</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/acf-awards-16m-support-first-ever-federally-funded-program-medical-legal" rel="nofollow">ACF Awards $1.6M to Support First-Ever Federally Funded Program for Medical-Legal Partnerships</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/ana-awards-more-124-million-improve-social-and-economic-well-being" rel="nofollow">The Administration for Native Americans Awards More Than $9 Million to Improve Social and Economic Well-Being in Native Communities</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/adoption-excellence-awardees-announced-adoption-psas-released" rel="nofollow">Adoption Excellence Awardees Announced, Adoption PSAs Released</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/biden-harris-administration-announces-245-million-awards-major-expansion-tribal?utm_source&#61;Center&#43;for&#43;Tribes&#43;Outreach&amp;utm_campaign&#61;7ae0779ed9-two&#43;spirit&#43;re-announce_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_term&#61;0_c52045c6a7-7ae0779ed9-380834570" rel="nofollow">Biden-Harris Administration Announces $24.5 Million in Awards in Major Expansion of the Tribal Home Visiting Program</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/media/hhs-awards-20-million-launch-first-national-center-support-mental-health" rel="nofollow">The Biden-Harris Administration Awards $20 Million to Launch First National Center to Support Mental Health Services in the Child Welfare System</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/acf-invests-digital-and-school-based-programs-aimed-protecting-youth" rel="nofollow">Biden-Harris Administration Invests Nearly $2 Million in Digital and School-Based Programs Aimed at Protecting Youth From Human Trafficking</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/hhs-announces-historic-child-welfare-package-expand-support-and-equity-child" rel="nofollow">HHS Announces Historic Child Welfare Package to Expand Support and Equity in Child Welfare System</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/hhs-announces-proposed-regulation-strengthen-services-and-protections" rel="nofollow">HHS Announces Proposed Regulation to Strengthen Services and Protections for Unaccompanied Children in Its Care</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/hhs-awards-81m-fund-third-cohort-diaper-distribution-pilot" rel="nofollow">HHS Awards $8.1M to Fund the Third Cohort of the Diaper Distribution Pilot</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/hhs-awards-985-million-support-domestic-violence-and-sexual-assault-victims-and" rel="nofollow">HHS Awards $9.85 Million to Support Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims and Their Children</a> [Press release]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2023/hhs-awards-new-community-initiated-funding-advance-equity-child-welfare-system" rel="nofollow">HHS Awards New Community Initiated Funding to Advance Equity in the Child Welfare System</a> [Press release]</li></ul>
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/im-23-06" rel="nofollow">IM-23-06: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Foster Care Legal Representation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/im-23-07" rel="nofollow">IM-23-07: Final Rule on Separate Licensing Standards for Relative or Kinship Foster Family Homes</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/im-23-08" rel="nofollow">IM-23-08: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on safe and appropriate foster care placement requirements under titles IV-E and IV-B for children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, as well as children who are non-binary, or have non-conforming gender identity or expression (LGBTQI&#43;)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/im-23-09?utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_source&#61;IM2309_111523" rel="nofollow">IM-23-09: Interagency Collaboration Between Child Welfare and Educational Agencies to Support the Academic Success of Children and Youth in Foster Care</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/pi-23-10" rel="nofollow">PI-23-10: Title IV-E Plan Amendment–Separate Licensing Standards for Relative or Kinship Foster Family Homes</a></li></ul>
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2023/09/abcs-back-school-preparation-refugees-asylees-parolees-and-others" rel="nofollow">&#34;The ABC’s for Back-to-School Preparation for Refugees, Asylees, Parolees, and Others!&#34;</a> [The Family Room blog]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2023/10/media/orrs-resettled-afghan-surveys-reflect-high-employment-needs-remain" rel="nofollow">&#34;ORR’s Resettled Afghan Surveys Reflect High Employment but Needs Remain&#34;</a> [The Family Room blog]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/blog/2023/09/introducing-welfare-and-family-self-sufficiency-learning-agenda" rel="nofollow">&#34;Introducing the Welfare and Family Self-Sufficiency Learning Agenda&#34;</a> [OPRE Insights blog]</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Children&#39;s Bureau website </a>often to see what&#39;s new.

The National Child Welfare Workforce Institute's (NCWWI's) American Indian/Alaska Natives Curriculum Content Evaluation Guide includes foundational concepts social work educators should know when working

American Indian/Alaska Natives Curriculum Content Evaluation Guide

The National Child Welfare Workforce Institute&#39;s (NCWWI&#39;s) <a href="https://ncwwi.org/document/american-indian-alaska-natives-curriculum-content-evaluation-guide/" rel="nofollow">American Indian/Alaska Natives Curriculum Content Evaluation Guide</a> includes foundational concepts social work educators should know when working with American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for social work educators seeking to enhance their work with AI/AN communities. It covers essential understandings crucial for culturally responsive practice, addresses the challenge of historical biases, and provides a resource evaluation checklist. The guide also features selected infographics, one-page summaries, and microvideos that meet the checklist standards. It also tackles the issue of educational bias and offers four points to counteract prejudice against AI/AN people:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>It is common to refer to AI/AN peoples in the past tense, but Indigenous culture is very much alive and AI/AN communities are experiencing rapid population growth.</li><li>AI/AN people are often portrayed in a negative or patronizing light. In reality, they hold many professional and technical occupations and are not confined to stereotypical roles.</li><li>Tribes can and do produce effective and meaningful solutions to the specific needs of their communities.</li><li>AI/AN stories have been told from Eurocentric and colonizer perspectives. Engaging in materials and information from AI/AN publishers and media distributors can help minimize bias in curriculum materials.</li></ul>
This tool helps educators assess the quality and appropriateness of materials used in teaching. It ensures that the content is culturally sensitive and relevant to the specific needs of AI/AN populations. These resources not only serve as models for educators but also enhance the learning experience for students by presenting complex information in a clear, concise, and culturally sensitive manner.
Access <a href="https://ncwwi.org/document/american-indian-alaska-natives-curriculum-content-evaluation-guide/" rel="nofollow">American Indian/Alaska Natives Curriculum Content Evaluation Guide</a> for summaries, the checklist, and additional resources for further reading.

Engaging young people in casework is a crucial element of child welfare practice that can empower youth, improve their experience with the child welfare system, and increase permanency outcomes. The Quality

QIC-EY Shares New Lesson Learned From Literature Reviews 

Engaging young people in casework is a crucial element of child welfare practice that can empower youth, improve their experience with the child welfare system, and increase permanency outcomes. The Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency (QIC-EY), a Children’s Bureau-funded project and leading authority in advancing youth engagement efforts, is working to bring about systemic change in how child welfare professionals engage children and youth.
As part of that work, the QIC-EY is developing a series of lessons learned to share insights about children and youth, especially in relation to permanency decisions. The most recent, <a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/lessons-learned-4/" rel="nofollow">Lessons Learned #4</a>, highlights nine competencies that facilitate a worker&#39;s ability to authentically engage children and youth:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Partner with children and youth.</li><li>Build trusting relationships.</li><li>Inform and prepare children and youth.</li><li>Use a strengths-based approach.</li><li>Use communication and listening skills.</li><li>Advocate for children and youth.</li><li>Practice cultural humility.</li><li>Understand child-and-adolescent development.</li><li>Use a trauma-informed approach.</li></ul>
The competencies are knowledge, skills, and abilities, each of which can be honed through training, practice, and support. The QIC-EY advises agencies to find opportunities to help professionals develop and fine-tune these competencies.
To assist in this ongoing training and education, the QIC-EY provides a multimedia tool, “<a href="https://qic-ey.org/qic-ey-now/" rel="nofollow">No Opportunity Wasted for Making Moments Matter With Children and Youth</a>” (QIC-EY NOW), with stories from professionals, audio and video clips, and tips for applying the competencies.
More information, including details on the <a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/" rel="nofollow">first three QIC-EY lessons learned</a>, is available on the<a href="https://qic-ey.org/" rel="nofollow"> QIC-EY website</a>.

The Children's Bureau funds several technical assistance centers to provide professionals with tools to better serve children, youth, and families. The following are some of the latest resources from these

Updates From the Children's Bureau's Training and Technical Assistance Partners

The Children&#39;s Bureau funds several technical assistance centers to provide professionals with tools to better serve children, youth, and families. The following are some of the latest resources from these partners.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USACFCWIG/bulletins/372ad4f" rel="nofollow">October Social Media Snapshot</a></li><li><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USACFCWIG/bulletins/37575d3?reqfrom&#61;share" rel="nofollow">October E-lert!</a></li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f-therapist/" rel="nofollow">Finding and Working With Adoption-Competent Therapists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/nam-outreach-toolkit.pdf" rel="nofollow">National Adoption Month Outreach Toolkit</a></li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/nam/" rel="nofollow">National Adoption Month 2023 Website is Here!</a></li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/parenting-diverse-families/" rel="nofollow">Parenting in Racially, Culturally, and Ethnically Diverse Adoptive Families</a></li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/transition-to-adulthood-outreach-toolkit.pdf" rel="nofollow">Transition to Adulthood &amp; Independent Living Outreach Toolkit</a></li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/" rel="nofollow">Information Gateway website</a> for more.
 
Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Center for Courts</li><li>Center for States
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/collaborative-qrtp-planning-and-implementation-tool" rel="nofollow">Collaborative QRTP Planning and Implementation Tool</a></li><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/sfdp-caregiver-recruitment-and-retention" rel="nofollow">Foster and Adoptive Parent Licensing, Recruitment, and Retention: Systemic Factor Data Planning Worksheet</a></li><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/mapping-c-i-ccwis" rel="nofollow">Mapping Change Implementation to CCWIS Projects</a></li><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/reflecting-on-racial-equity-and-cfsr-guide" rel="nofollow">Reflecting on Racial Equity and the Child and Family Services Review Discussion Guide</a></li><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/sfdp-service-array" rel="nofollow">Service Array and Resource Development: Systemic Factor Data Planning Worksheet</a></li><li><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USACFCBCS-373c001?wgt_ref&#61;USACFCBCS_WIDGET_1" rel="nofollow">October 2023: Spotlight on Parenting to Support Educational Opportunities for Youth in Care</a></li></ul>
</li></ul>
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Center for Tribes Tribal Information Exchange
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/stateicwalawsmapsept23.pdf" rel="nofollow">Comprehensive State Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Laws</a> [Interactive map]</li><li><a href="https://mailchi.mp/cbc4tribes/newsletter_fall2023?e&#61;976a478cfe" rel="nofollow">Fall 2023 Newsletter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list&#61;PLR4JDLysJ7WM5z8knD4g9-BMFNVBuKngn" rel="nofollow">Gender Diversity Webinar Series</a></li><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/index.php/2023/09/19/incorporating-cultural-values-and-traditions-into-policy-procedure-and-practice-webinar/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Incorporating Cultural Values and Traditions into Policy, Procedure, and Practice&#34;</a> [Webinar recording]</li><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/products/2023-09%20-%20Recruiting%20and%20Supporting%20Resource%20Families%20Resource%20List.pdf" rel="nofollow">Recruiting and Supporting Resource Families in Tribal Communities</a></li><li><a href="https://maine.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e5_MiEzQRX2ZTKSYpaCudw#/registration" rel="nofollow">Registration</a> is open for the December 13, 2023, session of the Data System Procurement for Tribal Child Welfare Programs Webinar Series</li></ul>
</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/" rel="nofollow">Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative website</a> for more.
 
Children&#39;s Bureau Learning and Coordination Center (CBLCC)
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://cblcc.acf.hhs.gov/topic-areas/resilience-and-well-being/building-community-capacity-to-support-perinatal-mental-health/" rel="nofollow">“Building Community Capacity to Support Perinatal Mental Health”</a> [Digital dialogue]</li><li><a href="https://cblcc.acf.hhs.gov/topic-areas/trauma-and-healing/improving-our-response-to-families-experiencing-domestic-violence/" rel="nofollow">“Improving Our Response to Families Experiencing Domestic Violence”</a> [Digital dialogue]</li><li><a href="https://cblcc.acf.hhs.gov/shareable-media/social-media-resources-adoption-month/" rel="nofollow">Social Media Messages for National Adoption Month</a></li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://cblcc.acf.hhs.gov/" rel="nofollow">CBLCC website</a> for more.
 
FRIENDS National Resource Center
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://friendsnrc.org/resources/november-2023-cbcap-peer-learning-call-preparing-for-the-cbcap-annual-report/" rel="nofollow">“November 2023 CBCAP Peer Learning Call: Preparing for the CBCAP Annual Report&#34;</a> [Webinar recording]</li><li><a href="https://friendsnrc.org/resources/october-2023-cbcap-peer-learning-call-prevention-councils/" rel="nofollow">&#34;October 2023 FRIENDS Peer Learning Call: Prevention Councils&#34;</a> [Webinar recording]</li><li><a href="https://friendsnrc.org/resources/just-ask-animated-version/" rel="nofollow">“Just Ask”</a> [Animated video]</li><li><a href="https://friendsnrc.org/resources/unstoppable-animated-version/" rel="nofollow">“Unstoppable”</a> [Animated video]</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://friendsnrc.org/" rel="nofollow">FRIENDS National Resource Center website</a> for more.
 
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW)
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/topics/building-capacity/building-hope-for-families-series/" rel="nofollow">Building Hope for Families Affected by Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders: A Blueprint for an Effective System of Care to Promote Lasting Recovery and Family Well-Being Series</a>:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="circle"><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/building-hope-blueprint-part1.pdf" rel="nofollow">Part One</a></li><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/building-hope-blueprint-part2.pdf" rel="nofollow">Part Two</a></li><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/files/building-hope-blueprint-part3.pdf" rel="nofollow">Part Three</a></li></ul>
</li><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/whats-new/pregnant-parenting-with-sud-series/" rel="nofollow">Supporting Pregnant and Parenting People With Substance Use Disorders Series</a>:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="circle"><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/topics/pregnancy/pregnant-parenting-with-sud-series/ncsacw-resources-professionals-pregnant-parenting-sud/" rel="nofollow">NCSACW Resources for Professionals Working With Pregnant and Parenting People Affected by Substance Use Disorders and Involved With Child Welfare</a></li><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/topics/pregnancy/pregnant-parenting-with-sud-series/preparing-for-your-baby-tipsheet/" rel="nofollow">Preparing for Your Baby: Information for Pregnant and Parenting People with Substance Use Disorders</a></li><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/topics/pregnancy/pregnant-parenting-with-sud-series/resources-professionals-pregnant-parenting-sud/" rel="nofollow">Resources for Professionals Working With Pregnant and Parenting People Affected by Substance Use Disorders</a></li><li><a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/topics/pregnancy/pregnant-parenting-with-sud-series/healthcare-cps-pregnant-parenting-sud/" rel="nofollow">Working With Child Protective Services to Support Pregnant and Parenting People, Their Infants, and Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders: A Factsheet for Health Care Providers</a></li></ul>
</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/" rel="nofollow">NCSACW website</a> for more.
 
National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI)
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://vimeo.com/showcase/10494897" rel="nofollow">2023 Child Welfare Worker Recognition Event</a> [Video showcase]</li><li><a href="https://vimeo.com/868299979" rel="nofollow">“4 Cs of Workforce Development: Culture, Competency, Capacity, &amp; Community”</a> [Webinar recording]</li><li><a href="https://ncwwi.org/document/knowledge-and-attitudes-of-implementation-support-practitioners-ncwwi-1-page-summary/" rel="nofollow">Knowledge and Attitudes of Implementation Support Practitioners: NCWWI One-Page Summary</a></li><li><a href="https://ncwwi.org/document/mental-health-and-the-child-welfare-workforce/" rel="nofollow">“Mental Health and the Child Welfare Workforce”</a> [Infographic]</li><li><a href="https://vimeo.com/869685735" rel="nofollow">“ReIgnite Your Spark”</a> [Webinar recording]</li><li><a href="https://ncwwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Why-Coaching-Infographic_NCWWI.pdf" rel="nofollow">Why Coaching Is Worth Your Investment</a></li><li><a href="https://ncwwi.org/document/recruitment_toolkit/" rel="nofollow">Work With Purpose Child Welfare Professional Recruitment Toolkit</a></li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://ncwwi.org/" rel="nofollow">NCWWI website</a> for more.
 
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (NDACAN)
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://www.ndacan.acf.hhs.gov/about/updata/ndacan-updata-vol-63-fall-2023-09-29.pdf" rel="nofollow">Fall 2023 issue of The NDACAN Updata</a> [Newsletter]</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://www.ndacan.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm" rel="nofollow">NDACAN website</a> for more.
 
Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency (QIC-EY)
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v&#61;XRf_811tTMY" rel="nofollow">“From Passenger to Pilot”</a> [Video]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v&#61;_vCc-U8A67s" rel="nofollow">“Making Moments Matter: Transforming Child Welfare One Moment at a Time”</a> [Webinar recording]</li><li><a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/lessons-learned-4/" rel="nofollow">QIC-EY Lessons Learned #4</a></li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://qic-ey.org/" rel="nofollow">QIC-EY website</a> for more.
 
Quality Improvement Center for Family Centered Reunification (QIC-R)
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://qicfamilyreunification.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cultural-Integration-QIC-R-Implementation-10.4.23.pdf" rel="nofollow">Implementing Culturally Responsive Programs and Practices for Under Resourced Populations</a> [Presentation slides]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v&#61;1_ChArO2S-Q&amp;t&#61;1s" rel="nofollow">“Implementing Culturally Responsive Programs and Practices for Under Resourced Populations”</a> [Webinar recording]</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://qicfamilyreunification.org/" rel="nofollow">QIC-R website</a> for more.
 
Quality Improvement Center on Tailored Services, Placement Stability, and Permanency for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Two-Spirit Children and Youth in Foster Care (QIC-LGBTQ2S) at the National Center for Youth with Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity &amp; Expression (SOGIE Center)
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://sogiecenter.org/2023/09/15/national-recognition-for-affirm-youth/" rel="nofollow">“National Recognition for AFFIRM Youth”</a> [Blog post]</li><li><a href="https://sogiecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Federal-Funding-for-Gender-Affirming-Materials-Tool.pdf" rel="nofollow">Tool for Child Welfare Staff: Federal Funding for Gender Affirming Materials for Transgender &amp; Nonbinary Youth in Foster Care</a></li></ul>
Visit the <a title="QIC-LGBTQ2S on the SOGIE Center website" href="https://sogiecenter.org/programs/" rel="nofollow">QIC-LGBTQ2S on the SOGIE Center website</a> for more.
 
Quality Improvement Center for Workforce Development (QIC-WD)
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/blog/experiences-professionals-color-child-welfare-workforce" rel="nofollow">&#34;Experiences of Professionals of Color in the Child Welfare Workforce&#34;</a> [Blog post]</li><li><a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/blog/key-findings-qic-wd-various-stages-employee-lifecycle" rel="nofollow">&#34;Key Findings from the QIC-WD at Various Stages of the Employee Lifecycle&#34;</a> [Blog post]</li><li><a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/blog/secondary-traumatic-stress-definitions-measures-predictors-and-interventions" rel="nofollow">&#34;Secondary Traumatic Stress: Definitions, Measures, Predictors, and Interventions&#34;</a> [Blog post]</li><li><a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/blog/quality-improvement-center-workforce-development-bridging-research%E2%80%93practice-gap-child-welfare" rel="nofollow">“The Quality Improvement Center for Workforce Development: Bridging the Research–Practice Gap in Child Welfare”</a> [Blog post]</li><li><a href="https://mailchi.mp/qic-wd/final-qic-wd-newsletter-sept2023" rel="nofollow">Final QIC-WD Newsletter</a></li><li><a href="https://mailchi.mp/qic-wd/september-2023-qic-wd-newsletter" rel="nofollow">September 2023 - QIC-WD Newsletter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/umbrella-summary/turnover" rel="nofollow">Umbrella Summary: Turnover</a></li><li><a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/catalog/" rel="nofollow">Workforce Research Catalog</a> [Tool]</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://www.qic-wd.org/" rel="nofollow">QIC-WD website</a> for more.
 
AdoptUSKids
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://professionals.adoptuskids.org/2023-adoption-and-foster-care-ads-you-cant-imagine-the-reward/" rel="nofollow">“2023 Adoption and Foster Care Ads: ‘You can’t imagine the reward’”</a> [Article]</li><li><a href="https://blog.adoptuskids.org/a-nerve-racking-choice-on-their-minds-for-two-decades-then-taking-the-leap-to-adopt/" rel="nofollow">“A ‘Nerve-Racking’ Choice on Their Minds for Two Decades, Then Taking the Leap to Adopt”</a> [Blog post]</li><li><a href="https://blog.adoptuskids.org/adoptive-families-highlight-the-need-for-adopting-teens-in-new-public-service-advertisements-psas/" rel="nofollow">“Adoptive Families Highlight the Need for Adopting Teens in New Public Service Advertisements”</a> [Blog post]</li><li><a href="https://professionals.adoptuskids.org/help-resource-caregivers-support-lgbtq-youth-insights-from-a-young-person-with-lived-experience/" rel="nofollow">“Help Resource Caregivers Support LGBTQ Youth: Insights From a Young Person With Lived Experience”</a> [Article]</li><li><a href="https://professionals.adoptuskids.org/resources-for-children-with-cross-border-case-needs/" rel="nofollow">“Resources for Children With Cross-Border Case Needs”</a> [Webinar recording]</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://adoptuskids.org/" rel="nofollow">AdoptUSKids website</a> for more.
 
James Bell Associates
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://www.jbassoc.com/resource/2023-home-visiting-yearbook/" rel="nofollow">2023 Home Visiting Yearbook</a></li><li><a href="https://www.jbassoc.com/resource/co-designing-a-conceptual-framework-of-home-visiting-implementation-quality/" rel="nofollow">“Co-Designing a Conceptual Framework of Home Visiting Implementation Quality”</a> [Article]</li><li><a href="https://www.jbassoc.com/resource/opportunities-for-child-welfare-to-respond-to-prenatal-alcohol-and-other-substance-exposures/" rel="nofollow">Opportunities for Child Welfare to Respond to Prenatal Alcohol and Other Substance Exposures</a></li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://www.jbassoc.com/" rel="nofollow">James Bell Associates website</a> for more.

Providing culturally responsive services and supports is a key part of child welfare practice with diverse populations. In a webinar from AdoptUSKids, presenters Heather La Forme-Maldonado and Kendra Lowden

Webinar on Strategies for Understanding, Engaging, and Supporting Indigenous Families 

Providing culturally responsive services and supports is a key part of child welfare practice with diverse populations. In a webinar from AdoptUSKids, presenters Heather La Forme-Maldonado and Kendra Lowden provide strategies for working with Alaska Native and American Indian families.
The webinar, <a href="https://professionals.adoptuskids.org/understanding-engaging-and-supporting-native-families/" rel="nofollow">“Understanding, Engaging, and Supporting Native Families,”</a> provides child welfare professionals with an introduction to tribes, citizenship, and connection and includes overviews of tribal sovereignty, significant historical events, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. In addition, the webinar covers strategies for supporting and engaging Indigenous families.
Viewers should note that the presentation was originally developed as part of a capacity-building effort for a specific state but features information that is applicable to those outside of that specific state.

A resource from the Center for Native Child and Family Resilience, Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Considerations for Researchers Working in Indigenous Communities, emphasizes the importance of approaching

Considerations for Researchers Working in Indigenous Communities

A resource from the Center for Native Child and Family Resilience, <a href="https://cncfr.jbsinternational.com/IWOK" rel="nofollow">Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Considerations for Researchers Working in Indigenous Communities</a>, emphasizes the importance of approaching research in tribal nations with cultural humility—a fundamental element of building trust and fostering productive research relationships—and a deep understanding of Indigenous research norms and methods. The resource covers four essential skill and knowledge areas: sovereignty, reciprocity, relationship building, and permission.
Each of the four skill and knowledge areas highlight available training and resources for researchers that can provide insights into conducting research that aligns with Indigenous values and principles and is rooted in respect. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to seek guidance from Indigenous individuals with experience in conducting research within their communities, as they can offer valuable perspectives and mentorship.
Notably, the webpage offers a framework to guide researchers in engaging effectively and respectfully with Indigenous communities. This framework can help researchers navigate the complexities of Indigenous research, ensuring that their work is ethical, culturally sensitive, and contributes positively to the well-being of Indigenous people.
Access the <a href="https://cncfr.jbsinternational.com/IWOK" rel="nofollow">full guide</a>, including videos and suggested reading, on the Center for Native Child and Family Resilience webpage titled Starting the Journey: Initial Considerations for Researchers Working in Indigenous Communities.
Related item: For an additional resource on working with tribal communities to better support and represent them, read about <a href="https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/article/2023/september/guidance-for-developing-culturally-responsive-tribal-child-welfare-products/0ff661db1b4c391080f4631ee54bcbd7" rel="nofollow">The Cultural Guide for the Development of Tribal Child Welfare Products</a> in the September 2023 issue of Children&#39;s Bureau Express.

There are many benefits to kinship care placements for children and youth who cannot safely remain with their parents. Living with relatives or close family friends in kinship care can help minimize trauma,

Study Finds That Kinship Care Supports Academic Performance 

There are many benefits to kinship care placements for children and youth who cannot safely remain with their parents. Living with relatives or close family friends in kinship care can help minimize trauma, increase stability and safety, maintain family and community connections, and preserve ties to cultural traditions. A new study reinforces another important benefit of kinship care: it supports children&#39;s academic well-being.
A brief of the study, “<a href="https://www.childtrends.org/publications/kinship-care-supports-the-academic-performance-of-children" rel="nofollow">Kinship Care Supports the Academic Performance of Children</a>” by Tyreasa Washington and Brittany P. Mihalec-Adkins, summarizes the main findings. Researchers collected data on approximately 8,000 children in North Carolina in third through sixth grades who experienced either formal or informal kinship care placements between 2009 and 2013. An examination of these young people’s educational and child welfare data produced two main findings:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Among children in out-of-home care, those living in both formal and informal kinship care fared better academically than children in nonrelative foster care, particularly with respect to math scores.</li><li>Children in formal kinship care performed best among all children in any form of out-of-home care. The performance of these children was similar to that of children living with their birth or adoptive parents. </li></ul>
These findings suggest that formal kinship care may be one of the only known interventions that eliminate academic deficits among children in out-of-home care, according to the brief’s authors. Because formal kin caregivers usually have more access to resources, services, and funding than informal kin caregivers, the authors suggest that more resources, not more oversight from the child welfare system, is the reason that formal kinship care supports academic performance.
In light of these findings, the authors suggest three recommendations for supporting the academic success of children in out-of-home care:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Kinship care should be considered a strategy for promoting academic well-being for children in out-of-home care.</li><li>Child welfare professionals should prioritize kinship care over other placement alternatives whenever possible.</li><li>Kinship care may be used to reduce the overrepresentation of children of color in the child welfare system.</li></ul>
The brief coincides with the release of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/09/28/2023-21081/separate-licensing-or-approval-standards-for-relative-or-kinship-foster-family-homes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">new regulation</a> that allows child welfare agencies to adopt simpler licensing or approval standards for kin foster family homes. The new rule provides improved financial support to kin caregivers by requiring states to provide kin caregivers the same level of financial assistance as traditionally licensed foster caregivers.
The <a href="https://www.childtrends.org/publications/kinship-care-supports-the-academic-performance-of-children" rel="nofollow">study brief</a> is available on the Child Trends website. More details on the research are available on the <a href="https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cdev.13580" rel="nofollow">Society for Research in Child Development website</a>.

The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) recently released updated best practice guidelines for forensic interviewing. Forensic interviewing refers to the practice in which a

Updated Best Practice Guidelines for Forensic Interviewing 

The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) recently released updated best practice guidelines for forensic interviewing. Forensic interviewing refers to the practice in which a specially trained professional interviews children and youth to gather information about allegations of maltreatment. It is a specialized skill that requires ongoing training and practice.
The 2023 guidelines, which are an update to APSAC’s 2012 guidelines on Interviewing in Cases of Suspected Child Abuse, feature current knowledge about best practices related to forensic interviews. The guidelines document includes the following sections:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Purpose of a forensic interview</li><li>Interviewer attributes</li><li>Interview context</li><li>Interview components</li></ul>
In discussing the purpose of the forensic interview, the guidelines highlight the ethical obligation to focus on the best interests of the child, the importance of focusing on children as witnesses and possible victims, and the understanding that a child forensic interview is only one part of a complete investigation. In the section on interviewer attributes, competencies, and practice behaviors, the authors advise the following:  
<ol style="list-style-position: inside;" start="1" type="1"><li>Engage in practice that is research-informed.</li><li>Participate in ongoing training and peer review.</li><li>Exhibit an interviewer stance aimed at eliciting accurate and reliable information.</li><li>Use language that is developmentally appropriate.</li><li>Adapt to the individual child.</li><li>Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity and strive to be culturally informed.</li><li>Be aware of potential barriers when there are religious, ethnic, social class, and/or linguistic differences between the child and interviewer.</li><li>Use qualified bilingual interviewers who are able to accommodate the child’s primary or preferred language whenever possible.</li><li>Accommodate any unique needs the child may have, including physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.</li><li>Actively participate as part of a multidisciplinary team, if available.</li></ol>
Access the guidelines, <a href="https://www.apsac.org/_files/ugd/4700a8_d84d5dfe78b946659aef3d37fdf71b33.pdf" rel="nofollow">Forensic Interviewing of Children</a>, on the APSAC website. The authors recommend using the guidelines in conjunction with the 2018 <a href="https://www.apsac.org/apsacpublications" rel="nofollow">APSAC Handbook on Child Maltreatment – 4th Edition</a>.

The Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network has provided a toolkit and accompanying webinar offering a collection of 22 kin-finding promising practices that have proven successful in increasing the placement

The Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network has provided a <a href="https://www.gksnetwork.org/resources/kin-finding-toolkit/" rel="nofollow">toolkit</a> and accompanying <a href="https://www.gksnetwork.org/events/improving-your-results-in-kin-finding-and-placement/" rel="nofollow">webinar</a> offering a collection of 22 kin-finding promising practices that have proven successful in increasing the placement of youth with their relatives. Each practice is supported by real-world tools, providing practical resources for child welfare programs seeking to enhance their kin placement rates.
The toolkit and webinar present a diverse range of promising practices, each with a record of success. These practices are designed to promote the placement of youth with relatives, which is often in the best interest of the child as it preserves family connections and provides a stable support system.
A distinctive feature of the toolkit is its real-world tools, including sample policy language and forms. These resources empower child welfare programs with practical solutions and templates for implementation. By offering such concrete tools, the toolkit ensures that child welfare professionals have the resources they need to put these promising practices into action effectively and adapt these practices to meet their specific needs and circumstances. Programs can tailor the strategies to their unique challenges and resources, fostering a more successful implementation and improved kin placement rates.
Access the webinar, <a href="https://www.gksnetwork.org/events/improving-your-results-in-kin-finding-and-placement/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Improving Your Results in Kin-Finding and Placement,&#34;</a> for a walkthrough of the Kin-Finding Toolkit. Download the <a href="https://www.gksnetwork.org/resources/kin-finding-toolkit/" rel="nofollow">toolkit</a> on the Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network website.

Written by the Capacity Building Center for States The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) (1978) established minimum federal safeguards for the removal and displacement of American Indian and Alaska Native

Cultural Humility Can Support ICWA Implementation at State Child Welfare Agencies

Written by the Capacity Building Center for States
The <a href="http://www.nrc4tribes.org/indian-child-welfare-act.cfm" rel="nofollow">Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) (1978)</a> established minimum federal safeguards for the removal and displacement of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children from their homes or tribes. ICWA requires that, when removal is unavoidable, AI/AN children be placed in foster or adoptive homes in AI/AN communities as often as possible (Williams et al., 2015).
Currently, 16 states have codified ICWA provisions into state law (in the aftermath of legal challenges to ICWA in 2019), and another 4 states have similar legislation pending as of September 2023 (Capacity Building Center for Tribes, 2023). All states, regardless of whether there are federally recognized tribes within their borders, are required to comply with ICWA. Failure to comply has many negative consequences for AI/AN families across the country, as well as adverse legal consequences for states, such as invalidation of court proceedings, disruption of foster care placement, voiding of final adoption orders, malpractice actions, and federal sanctions (van Straaten &amp; Buchbinder, 2011).
By grounding collaboration in cultural humility, in which cultural knowledge and expertise, self-examination of biases, and mutual learning are prioritized, state and tribal agencies can improve their partnerships and help implement ICWA more effectively. To do this work, agencies can commit to the following:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Tailoring all communication and activities to the unique needs and culture of each tribal community</li><li>Honoring that tribal communities hold the knowledge of what is best for them and what they need for their children and families to thrive</li></ul>
Determining if ICWA Applies to a Case
ICWA applies when there is a child custody proceeding that involves an &#34;Indian child,&#34; defined as an unmarried individual under the age of 18 who is either (1) a tribal member or (2) eligible for tribal membership and has a biological parent who is a tribal member (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2021). (Note that ICWA does not apply to tribal families from non-federally recognized tribes.)
In all cases, caseworkers should assume that ICWA applies until they have enough information to determine the law is not relevant (Tribal Information Exchange, n.d.). Making such a determination requires state child welfare workers to be aware of ICWA and its provisions, ask the child’s family (immediate or extended) if they identify as AI/AN, and review documentation to know whether ICWA applies (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2021).
Ensuring improved ICWA compliance at state child welfare agencies requires increased communication, which should start from a position of cultural humility, including the following (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2021):
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Training all staff on ICWA’s applicability, provisions, and requirements</li><li>Educating staff on how AI/AN communities have been affected by disproportionate numbers of tribal children being removed from their homes and the <a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/resources/conversation-about-indigeneity-and-child-welfare" rel="nofollow">historical and generational effects</a> of trauma and cultural repression</li><li>Prioritizing early communication with tribes to increase the likelihood that family will be identified and located</li><li>Recognizing that AI/AN individuals are found in all areas of the country (rural, suburban, and urban), not just on tribal reservation land</li><li>Understanding that communication styles and cultural norms may be different than those in non-tribal communities</li><li>Knowing that it is appropriate to ask questions about culture and racial identity, but it should be done respectfully (questions around race or ethnic identity should always be asked, never assumed based on a person’s appearance or whether the state has any federally recognized tribes)</li></ul>
Applying Cultural Humility When Partnering With Tribal Agencies
State agencies can take additional steps to build partnerships with tribes and promote quality services. These steps include the following (National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement, n.d.):
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Ensure that caseworkers, supervisors, and managers on the state and local levels are educated about tribal nations in their state and the percentage of the state population that identifies as AI/AN.</li><li>Maintain a centralized, current list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of the tribes, tribal leaders, and tribal child welfare directors and staff.</li><li>Enhance policies and processes around communication between state and tribal child welfare staff and consistently collaborate with tribes at all opportunities (e.g., establish regular meetings between child welfare staff and tribal representatives, discuss how to share data on mutually important issues, brainstorm solutions for challenges such as recruitment of tribal foster and adoptive homes).</li><li>Working together with tribal partners, train all state child welfare staff in culturally competent practices, including learning from and collaborating with tribal partners in ways that recognize and honor tribal sovereignty, asking all families about racial backgrounds, building meaningful community relationships (such as those with tribal elders), and understanding the importance of familial relationships as a source of support­—all training and technical assistance must be grounded in an understanding of specific tribal communities’ cultural practices.</li></ul>
The following additional resources can help state agencies comply with ICWA requirements and partner with tribes and tribal communities in their regions:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cwpm/public_html/programs/cb/laws_policies/laws/cwpm/policy_dsp.jsp?citID&#61;14" rel="nofollow">Administration for Children and Families Child Welfare Policy Manual, Tribal Organizations and Title IV-E Agreements</a></li><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/?s&#61;&amp;category_name&#61;resource-library" rel="nofollow">Center for Tribes Resource Library</a></li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/diverse-populations/americanindian/icwa/" rel="nofollow">Child Welfare Information Gateway ICWA Resources</a></li><li><a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/files/resources/2023ICWAImplementationProjectOverviewandSummitReport.pdf?utm_source&#61;Center&#43;for&#43;Tribes&#43;Outreach&amp;utm_campaign&#61;598600d712-activeeffortsemail_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_term&#61;0_c52045c6a7-598600d712-380833666" rel="nofollow">ICWA Implementation Partnership Grants</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nicwa.org/service-providers/" rel="nofollow">National Indian Child Welfare Association Resources for Service Providers</a></li><li><a href="http://nrc4tribes.org/Direct-Tribal-Title-IV-E-Funding.cfm" rel="nofollow">National Child Welfare Resource Center for Tribes Title IV-E Program Funding Resources</a></li><li><a href="https://learn.childwelfare.gov/lms/enrol/index.php?id&#61;47" rel="nofollow">State-Tribal Partnerships: Coaching to ICWA Compliance</a> (access on CapLEARN, free registration required)</li><li><a href="https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/telling-our-story/california-ota" rel="nofollow">Telling Our Story: California Office of Tribal Affairs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bia.gov/bia/ois/tribal-leaders-directory/" rel="nofollow">Tribal Leaders Directory</a></li><li>Whose land do I reside on? Find out about the Indigenous communities of the lands you now inhabit at <a href="https://native-land.ca/" rel="nofollow">Native Land Digital</a></li></ul>
 
References
Capacity Building Center for Tribes. (2023). Capacity Building Center for Tribes Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) resources for states and tribes. <a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ICWAResourcesforStatesandTribes.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://tribalinformationexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ICWAResourcesforStatesandTribes.pdf</a>
Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021). The Indian Child Welfare Act: A primer for child welfare professionals. <a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/icwa/" rel="nofollow">https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/icwa/</a>
National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement. (n.d.). Approaches to collaboration: State-tribal partnerships. <a href="https://collaboration.tribalinformationexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/NRCOI-Tribal-State-Collaboration.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://collaboration.tribalinformationexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/NRCOI-Tribal-State-Collaboration.pdf</a>
Tribal Information Exchange. (n.d.). ICWA. <a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/index.php/icwa/" rel="nofollow">https://tribalinformationexchange.org/index.php/icwa/</a>
van Straaten, J., &amp; Buchbinder, P. (2011). The Indian Child Welfare Act: Improving compliance through state-tribal coordination. Center for Court Innovation. <a href="https://www.innovatingjustice.org/sites/default/files/documents/ICWA.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.innovatingjustice.org/sites/default/files/documents/ICWA.pdf</a>
Williams, J. R., Maher, E. J., Tompkins, J., Killos, L. F., Arnell, J. W., Rosen, J. E., Mueller, C., Summers, A., Cain, S. M., Moon, M., McCauley, G., &amp; Harris, L. (2015). A research and practice brief: Measuring compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act. Casey Family Programs.  <a href="https://www.casey.org/media/measuring-compliance-icwa.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.casey.org/media/measuring-compliance-icwa.pdf</a>

The Child Mind Institute has a webpage dedicated to resources on trauma and grief, which includes a link to a variety of multilingual trauma resources that are available in 16 languages. The evidence-based

The Child Mind Institute has a webpage dedicated to <a href="https://childmind.org/topics/trauma-grief/" rel="nofollow">resources on trauma and grief</a>, which includes a link to a variety of <a href="https://childmind.org/guide/multilingual-trauma-resources/" rel="nofollow">multilingual trauma resources</a> that are available in 16 languages. The evidence-based resources provide guidance to parents, caregivers, educators, and communities struggling to support children, whether they are at risk of violence themselves or trying to process upsetting news of events at a distance. The information is applicable to all types of traumatic events, such as war and terrorism abroad; civil unrest, racism, and violence in our own homes, schools, and communities; or the devastation and aftermath of natural disasters.
These free resources, some of which are included below, help caring adults talk to children and adolescents about traumatic events and identify those who might benefit from more focused professional mental health assistance:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-after-a-traumatic-event/" rel="nofollow">Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event</a></li><li><a title="Helping Children Cope With Frightening News" href="https://www2.childmind.org/e/908232/hildren-cope-frightening-news-/3mg9fm/2165120793/h/7wYt7WD70V1hInBquRW1_0b3_W8VePoq9zRwASSaNHk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">&#34;Helping Children Cope With Frightening News&#34;</a> [Article]</li><li><a href="https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-with-grief/" rel="nofollow">Helping Children Cope With Grief</a></li><li><a title="How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings" href="https://www2.childmind.org/e/908232/ticle-anxiety-school-shooting-/3mg9fq/2165120793/h/7wYt7WD70V1hInBquRW1_0b3_W8VePoq9zRwASSaNHk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">&#34;How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings&#34;</a> [Article]</li><li><a href="https://childmind.org/article/racism-and-violence-how-to-help-kids-handle-the-news/" rel="nofollow">“Talking to Kids About Racism and Violence”</a> [Article]</li></ul>
Access these resources and more in the Child Mind Institute’s <a href="https://childmind.org/resources/" rel="nofollow">Family Resource Center</a>.

The Creating a Family podcast series provides practical tips, guidance from experts, and stories of lived experience to support and strengthen adoptive, foster, and kinship families. Episodes span a variety

Podcast for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families

The <a href="https://creatingafamily.org/category/radio-show/" rel="nofollow">Creating a Family</a><a href="https://creatingafamily.org/category/radio-show/" rel="nofollow"> podcast series</a> provides practical tips, guidance from experts, and stories of lived experience to support and strengthen adoptive, foster, and kinship families. Episodes span a variety of child welfare and parenting topics, such as the impact of trauma and resilience on child development; adopting older youth, sibling groups, a child with special needs, or a child from another state or country; transracial adoption and fostering; financial assistance for families; and more. The following sampling of episodes highlights the broad array of subjects addressed by the series:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/adoption-radio-shows/adopting-or-fostering-a-child-who-identifies-as-lgbtq-2/" rel="nofollow">“Adopting or Fostering a Child Who Identifies as LGBTQ&#43;”</a></li><li><a href="https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/adoption-radio-shows/advocating-for-your-child-with-prenatal-substance-exposure/" rel="nofollow">“Advocating for Your Child With Prenatal Substance Exposure”</a></li><li><a href="https://www.creatingafamilyed.org/courses/finding-an-adoption-competent-therapist" rel="nofollow">“Finding an Adoption​ and Foster​ Competent Therapist”</a></li><li><a href="https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/adoption-radio-shows/helping-your-child-cope-with-living-in-a-scary-world/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Helping Your Child Cope With Living in a Scary World&#34;</a></li><li><a href="https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/adoption-radio-shows/kinship-caregivers-the-hidden-foster-care-system/" rel="nofollow">“Kinship Caregivers &amp; The Hidden Foster Care System”</a></li><li><a href="https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/adoption-radio-shows/navigating-special-education-and-the-iep-504-process/" rel="nofollow">“Navigating Special Education and the IEP/504 Process”</a></li><li><a href="https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/adoption-radio-shows/raising-an-anti-racist-child/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Raising an Anti-Racist Child&#34;</a></li></ul>
As the holidays can be a challenging time for many children, families may find it particularly helpful to listen to the episode <a href="https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/adoption-radio-shows/the-holidays-with-adopted-foster-or-kinship-kids-whove-been-exposed-to-trauma/" rel="nofollow">“The Holidays With Adopted, Foster, or Kinship Kids Who’ve Been Exposed to Trauma.”</a>
Weekly episodes range from 30 to 60 minutes, and Weekend Wisdom segments run a shorter 10 minutes or less. The series is hosted by Dawn Davenport, executive director of Creating a Family and expert in adoption, fostering, and infertility.
Visit the Creating a Family <a href="https://creatingafamily.org/category/radio-show/" rel="nofollow">website</a> to learn more.

Upcoming conferences and events on child welfare and adoption include the following: December The ZERO TO THREE LEARN Institute ZERO TO THREE Palm Springs, CA, December 5–6 January 39th Annual San Diego

Upcoming conferences and events on child welfare and adoption include the following: 
December
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://signature.zerotothree.org/?gclid&#61;EAIaIQobChMItNiN4Jf9gQMV_zHUAR2BrwvAEAAYASAAEgKx2vD_BwE" rel="nofollow">The ZERO TO THREE LEARN Institute</a> ZERO TO THREE Palm Springs, CA, December 5–6</li></ul>
January
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/198d8338-505d-4286-8bd1-22fd4ef90929/summary" rel="nofollow">39th Annual San Diego International Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment</a> Rady Children&#39;s Hospital San Diego, CA, January 20–25 </li></ul>

A free training from the Capacity Building Center for Tribes (Center for Tribes) is now available for child welfare staff from tribal programs funded through titles IV-B and IV-E. "Tribal Child Welfare

A free training from the Capacity Building Center for Tribes (Center for Tribes) is now available for child welfare staff from tribal programs funded through titles IV-B and IV-E. &#34;Tribal Child Welfare Practice Path&#34; helps frontline workers grow their foundational knowledge and practice skills and develop a culturally based, trauma-informed practice lens needed to serve American Indian/Alaska Native children and families.
Tribal child welfare programs can learn more about the training by viewing the Center for Tribes&#39; introductory <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v&#61;MYcZtPEu9Iw" rel="nofollow">webinar</a>, presented by the training&#39;s developers and facilitators, Cortney Bolt (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) and Dallas Pettigrew (Cherokee Nation). The webinar covers the training&#39;s key content areas and includes a conversation with workers from the Ho-Chunk Nation who speak about their pilot training experience.
To learn more, view the <a href="https://tribalinformationexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TCWPPFlyer.pdf?utm_source&#61;Center&#43;for&#43;Tribes&#43;Outreach&amp;utm_campaign&#61;13147929c2-CBCTfall2021newsletter_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_term&#61;0_c52045c6a7-13147929c2-142484389" rel="nofollow">1-page information sheet</a> and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v&#61;MYcZtPEu9Iw" rel="nofollow">&#34;Introducing the Tribal Child Welfare Practice Path&#34;</a> webinar recording.

The Administration for Children and Families Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) recently announced the launch of two new free microlearnings developed for frontline child welfare and other youth-serving

New Human Trafficking Microlearnings Support Child Welfare Workers

The Administration for Children and Families Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) recently <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/news/new-interactive-tools-support-child-welfare-workers-their-response-human-trafficking" rel="nofollow">announced</a> the launch of two new free microlearnings developed for frontline child welfare and other youth-serving professionals and programs to strengthen screening for human trafficking and safety planning.
The following 30-minute modules are self-paced, interactive, and ideal for busy professionals:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://www.train.org/main/course/1115166/details" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Safety Planning and Multidisciplinary Response for Child Welfare Professionals</a>: This training helps learners identify the key components of safety planning to mitigate the risk of human trafficking; understand the benefit of a multidisciplinary response to human trafficking; and evaluate strategies for applying trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive strategies to intervention and prevention.</li><li><a href="https://www.train.org/main/course/1115161/details" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Human Trafficking Screening for Child Welfare Professionals</a>: Participants of this training module will learn to identify strategies, tools, and requirements for screening a child or youth for potential human trafficking experiences; recognize individual and environmental indicators of trafficking; apply trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive screening strategies to the trafficking screening process; and understand what should be included in child or youth trafficking screening documentation.</li></ul>
A certificate of completion is available at the end of each course.
These resources, developed through a partnership between the ACF Office on Trafficking in Persons, Children’s Bureau, and Family and Youth Services Bureau, implement Priority Action 3.2.2 to enhance capabilities to locate children missing from foster care as part of the <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f&#61;001Ho5z72oYMNFa1Njzs96xGNdAxL9h75bDbTNlSoJayYc2l37gZfPgymz26JIG9y9fZ3MynvBRgvQFS3FpBvY1m3fW64PKW623gSf_x-U6oBN4etA3GpB6hW0SrloOwYZUguzmVb22dBovVZK0JIO5ojNd53Ztm6V0_Ts0rtj6lWP-ufRIVlQbLGt9srBE8gsdL7jpWey0ITNIF7JA8QP-foOQItceGHnuoZBA6WmW2KkNyDiX5c63KUFlq9ugECjJaqpJ5wxNQ-A&#61;&amp;c&#61;kb0LNA0nC_KAPQElJg12s44N0zK9ucnx868zCou_9VQ9-bz3KIUgkw&#61;&#61;&amp;ch&#61;11uA7TGKFTmrky0fwX08T1ND1FQgISy41GtYwfkHymuRTQoRkuweiw&#61;&#61;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking</a>.
To access these modules and much more, create a free account on the <a href="https://www.train.org/main/welcome" rel="nofollow">TRAIN Learning Network website</a>.
To learn more about ACF’s commitment to preventing human trafficking and ensuring that victims of all forms of human trafficking have access to the services they need, visit the <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip" rel="nofollow">OTIP website</a>.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Child Welfare and Youth Homelessness Fellows Programs recently held a webinar on the needs and challenges of transition-age youth and the role state

Webinar on Meeting the Complex Needs of Youth Exiting Foster Care

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Child Welfare and Youth Homelessness Fellows Programs recently held a webinar on the needs and challenges of transition-age youth and the role state policy can play in affecting outcomes.
Based on the research and findings from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s report Fostering Youth Transitions 2023, webinar presenters begin with an overview of the link between foster care and youth homelessness. With data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) and the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD), they provide a &#34;snapshot&#34; of young people in foster care in the United States and their needs. 
Presenters also outline the following three key data points, citing AFCARS, NYTD, and other supporting data, intended to help guide state policymakers in identifying opportunities to improve approaches to serving this population of youth:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Data point 1: Child welfare systems are unable to find permanent families for many youth in care.</li><li>Data point 2: Although extended foster care improves youth outcomes, participation is low.</li><li>Data point 3: Transition services are not delivered to many eligible young people.</li></ul>
The webinar also features a legislative case study discussion led by the two Arkansas representatives who sponsored a bipartisan bill, which was passed in 2023, to support transition-age youth. Additional recent legislative examples follow and address locating and supporting kinship caregivers, promoting extended foster care, and more.
Access the webinar, <a href="https://videos.ncsl.org/a-decade-of-opportunity-meeting-the-complex-needs-of-youth-exiting-foster-care" rel="nofollow">“A Decade of Opportunity: Meeting the Complex Needs of Youth Exiting Foster Care,”</a> including the <a href="https://documents.ncsl.org/wwwncsl/Human-Services/NCSL_Joint_Fellows_2023-Meeting_Complex_Needs.pdf" rel="nofollow">presentation slides</a>, on the NCSL website.
Related item: The Annie E. Casey Foundation&#39;s report Fostering Youth Transitions 2023 was featured in an <a href="https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/article/2023/september/report-provides-data-on-older-youth-in-foster-care/e2872ddb1b4c391080f4631ee54bcb9c" rel="nofollow">article in the September 2023 issue of CBX</a>.

December/January 2024Vol. 24, No. 102023 Adoption Excellence Awardees Announced