Listening to and incorporating the voices of those with lived experience is vital to improving the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Youth Voices Rising, an initiative of Fostering Media Connections,

Listening to and incorporating the voices of those with lived experience is vital to improving the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Youth Voices Rising, an initiative of Fostering Media Connections, is a series that elevates the perspectives of dozens of young people with lived experience every year through live and virtual workshops, contributor curriculum, writing contests, events, and calls for submissions.
Explore articles from youth with lived experience covering a wide range of topics from the power of tapping into heritage to the impact of sibling separation:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://imprintnews.org/youth-voice/generational-foster-care-in-native-american-communities/247162" rel="nofollow">&#34;Generational Foster Care in Native American Communities&#34;</a>: Shawna Bullen-Fairbanks addresses the unique challenges Native American communities face with generational foster care, emphasizing the effects of historical trauma, the importance of culturally sensitive support, and the joy of reconnecting with her culture.</li><li><a href="https://imprintnews.org/youth-voice/my-sister-is-a-stranger/245445" rel="nofollow">&#34;My Sister Is a Stranger&#34;</a>: Erin Gantz narrates the emotional journey of reconnecting with her sister after years of separation in the foster care system, exploring themes of loss, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships.</li></ul>
Dozens of youth have submitted their stories to Youth Voices Rising. Jumpstart your exploration with these articles:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://imprintnews.org/youth-voice/a-foster-youths-journey-towards-healing/247032" rel="nofollow">&#34;A Foster Youth&#39;s Journey Towards Healing,&#34;</a> by Jeremiah Bennett</li><li><a href="https://imprintnews.org/youth-voice/a-look-into-generational-pipelines-of-foster-care-and-homelessness/242382" rel="nofollow">&#34;A Look Into Generational Pipelines of Foster Care and Homelessness,&#34;</a> by Katie Buxton</li><li><a href="https://imprintnews.org/youth-voice/from-foster-care-to-college-bridging-the-gap-between-isolation-and-inclusion/248291" rel="nofollow">&#34;From Foster Care to College: Bridging the Gap Between Isolation and Inclusion,&#34;</a> by Travis Matthews</li><li><a href="https://imprintnews.org/youth-voice/inawemaagan-the-experience-of-being-othered-in-schools/249140" rel="nofollow">&#34;Inawemaagan: The Experience of Being &#39;Othered&#39; in Schools,&#34;</a> by Donovan Holmes</li><li><a href="https://imprintnews.org/youth-voice/we-are-all-people-of-the-harvest/243365" rel="nofollow">&#34;We Are All People of the Harvest,&#34;</a> by Lino Peña-Martinez</li><li><a href="https://imprintnews.org/youth-voice/what-unhealed-advocacy-looks-like/248759" rel="nofollow">&#34;What Unhealed Advocacy Looks Like,&#34;</a> by Sabrina Anderson</li></ul>
Access these and more on the Youth Voices Rising website.

July/August 2024

Written by Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston Over the last 18 months, I had the pleasure of traveling around the country to each of the 10 Regional Offices of the Administration for Children and Families.

A Message From Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston

Written by Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston
Over the last 18 months, I had the pleasure of traveling around the country to each of the 10 Regional Offices of the Administration for Children and Families. It was a great privilege to meet with many Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) staff and regional teams as well as many tribal nation leaders and community partners. I visited grantees for programs related to child welfare, runaway and homeless youth, positive youth development, and adolescent pregnancy prevention, and I heard about the successes and challenges in our collective efforts to promote the well-being of children, youth, young adults, and families. 
But do you want to know my favorite part? It was meeting with the children, youth, families, caregivers, and others who receive ACYF programs and services. I specifically remember one youth during my travels to the southern regions—a young teen with floppy hair and a big smile who I’ll call “Charlie.” Charlie heard I was coming and asked the program staff if he could speak with me because he had “something he needed to say.” And that something sticks with me even today. In so many words, he shared how important it was that he and his sister be placed together in a foster home rather than be separated. He lit up as he talked about his sister and their bond. It struck me as a concrete reminder of how vital our role is in keeping families together and strengthening connections as well as the importance of engaging youth and families in all aspects of our work.
ACYF and our programs within the Children’s Bureau and Family and Youth Services Bureau are committed to partnering with those with lived experience and integrating their voices into our work and policies. We recognize the value of authentic, varied, and diverse engagement and believe those with lived experience can provide valuable insights that inform and transform systems, practices, and outcomes.
We must listen to what people are saying about their needs and shape our actions to what is and is not needed to meet those needs. And we must join with youth like Charlie, developing them as leaders and supporting their participation and leadership in change efforts. What action can you take today to partner with those with lived experience?

A blog post from the Annie E. Casey Foundation delves into effective strategies for youth-serving organizations to engage and partner with young people. "Strategies for Youth Engagement" outlines various

Strategies for Effective Youth Engagement

A blog post from the Annie E. Casey Foundation delves into effective strategies for youth-serving organizations to engage and partner with young people. <a href="https://www.aecf.org/blog/strategies-for-youth-engagement" rel="nofollow">&#34;Strategies for Youth Engagement&#34;</a> outlines various forms of youth engagement, emphasizing the importance of involving youth in decision-making processes and leadership roles. The post highlights activities that facilitate collaboration between staff and youth, offering insights into the practical aspects of these engagements and addressing the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of the different levels of engagement:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Inform. Youth can preview information but have limited ability to influence projects or outcomes.</li><li>Consult. Youth can contribute to planning and issue-solving, although having limited control might result in inconsistent participation.</li><li>Involve. When involved from the onset, young people can provide substantial input and engage with staff more effectively.</li><li>Collaborate. Staff and youth share responsibility for executing the work, and young people build leadership skills. However, roles and authority can sometimes blur.</li><li>Youth-led. Youth-led initiatives are only achievable when young people are accountable for all aspects of planning, design, and execution.</li></ul>
The feasibility of these strategies often depends on the organization&#39;s resources and commitment to youth participation.
The blog encourages organizations to tailor their approaches to fit their unique contexts and capabilities, suggesting that a continuum of strategies can help youth engagement efforts be both meaningful and sustainable. This includes examining not only the engagement strategies but also the areas where youth engagement would be more beneficial and appropriate.
This resource can serve as a valuable guide for organizations seeking to enhance their youth engagement practices with practical tips and considerations to help them navigate the complexities of partnering with young people.
Read the full <a href="https://www.aecf.org/blog/strategies-for-youth-engagement" rel="nofollow">blog post</a> on the Annie E. Casey Foundation&#39;s website.

A brief from the Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative, Incorporating Lived Experience Into Child Welfare Capacity Building, outlines the Collaborative's efforts to support child welfare jurisdictions

Brief Focuses on Incorporating Lived Experience Into Child Welfare Capacity Building

A brief from the Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative, <a href="https://www.jbassoc.com/resource/incorporating-lived-experience-into-child-welfare-capacity-building-highlights-from-the-childrens-bureau-child-welfare-capacity-building-collaborative/" rel="nofollow">Incorporating Lived Experience Into Child Welfare Capacity Building</a>, outlines the Collaborative&#39;s efforts to support child welfare jurisdictions in integrating the voices of those directly affected by the child welfare system into practice and evaluation. The Collaborative consists of three Capacity Building Centers that provide technical assistance to states, courts, and tribes as they seek to improve child welfare policies and practices by engaging individuals with lived experience (LE) in system reform initiatives.
The brief discusses the Collaborative&#39;s approach, which involves qualitative methods like literature reviews and facilitated discussions to understand challenges and successful strategies for incorporating LE into capacity-building efforts. It emphasizes the importance of developing clear definitions and frameworks for LE to ensure meaningful involvement across different jurisdictions and how incorporating LE into child welfare initiatives can lead to better family engagement, more effective services, and improved outcomes for children and families.
Key initiatives highlighted include the development of learning experiences and events such as the Family Empowerment and Leadership Academy and the Child Welfare Virtual Expos. These programs are designed to promote authentic engagement and build capacity at the leadership and caseworker levels to collaborate with and empower individuals with LE through their participation in planning and decision-making processes. The brief also provides an overview of several of the tailored services provided by Capacity Building Centers to different jurisdictions.
Jurisdictions looking to incorporate LE into their child welfare projects will find recommendations on opportunities to do so and how to advocate for a collaborative approach that values the wisdom and perspectives of those with firsthand experience in the system.
Read the <a href="https://www.jbassoc.com/resource/incorporating-lived-experience-into-child-welfare-capacity-building-highlights-from-the-childrens-bureau-child-welfare-capacity-building-collaborative/" rel="nofollow">full brief</a> for more detailed information, including available products and frameworks, and to gain a deeper understanding of the different Capacity Building Centers.

The National Academies Roundtable on Population Health Improvement recently hosted a hybrid public workshop focusing on the significant role young people play in driving social, economic, and environmental

The Power of Youth Leadership in Creating Conditions for Health and Equity

The National Academies Roundtable on Population Health Improvement recently hosted a hybrid public workshop focusing on the significant role young people play in driving social, economic, and environmental changes that enhance community health and equity. The event highlighted the impact of youth leadership in fostering conditions for health and equity. Discussions also covered the civic infrastructure and resources essential for supporting youth participation and leadership in these efforts. Proceedings from the workshop have been compiled and published in an e-book, <a href="https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27332/exploring-the-power-of-youth-leadership-in-creating-conditions-for-health-and-equity" rel="nofollow">Exploring the Power of Youth Leadership in Creating Conditions for Health and Equity</a>.
The workshop underscored the importance of empowering youth to lead initiatives that address various determinants of health. By involving young people in leadership roles, communities can leverage their unique perspectives and innovative ideas to create more equitable and healthy environments. The event emphasized the need for robust civic infrastructure to facilitate youth engagement and support youth in driving meaningful change.
Four main panels structured the workshop:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership: This panel discussed the historical context and goals of youth engagement, effective involvement strategies, the state&#39;s role in youth organizing, and success stories. It highlighted the importance of understanding young people&#39;s perspectives and the resources necessary to support their activism.</li><li>Child Development and Family and Community Context: This session focused on adolescent development and the impact of family and community dynamics. It included insights from organizations like Community United for Restorative Youth Justice and emphasized the importance of supportive community structures for youth development.</li><li>Data, Surveys, and Research: This panel introduced initiatives like the MyVoice project and youth-led organizations such as Students Deserve in Los Angeles. It featured academic perspectives on youth organizing and discussed the sustainability and accessibility of youth movements.</li><li>Infrastructure and Supports for Youth Leadership and Engagement: This panel addressed the necessary infrastructure to support youth leadership, including funding, mentorship, and organizational support.</li></ul>
The workshop concluded with a discussion on the need for continued efforts to support youth leadership and integrate their voices into policymaking and community development processes. This gathering served as a platform for sharing strategies, experiences, and best practices in youth leadership. Participants explored how to build and sustain environments where young leaders can thrive and contribute effectively to community health initiatives. The insights from this workshop are intended to inspire and guide future efforts in promoting youth-led health and equity projects.
The <a href="https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27332/exploring-the-power-of-youth-leadership-in-creating-conditions-for-health-and-equity" rel="nofollow">full e-book</a> on the workshop and its findings is available for free from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

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. The following

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. 
The following list includes recent additions or updates to the Children’s Bureau site and a selection of recent items from the Administration for Children and Families:
Children’s Bureau:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/im-24-05?utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_source&#61;fostercarelegalrep051024" rel="nofollow">IM-24-05: Final Rule on Foster Care Legal Representation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/im-24-06?utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_source&#61;im2406_052824" rel="nofollow">IM-24-06: Title IV-E Adoption Assistance “Applicable Child” Eligibility Criteria</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/pi-24-07" rel="nofollow">PI-24-07: State Requirements for Electing Title IV-E Prevention and Family Services and Programs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/pi-24-08" rel="nofollow">PI-24-08: Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Title IV-B, Subpart 2 Funding Available to Develop and Enhance or to Evaluate Kinship Navigator Programs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/06/05/2024-12274/proposed-information-collection-activity-child-and-family-services-reviews-omb-0970-0214?utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_source&#61;govdelivery" rel="nofollow">Proposed Information Collection Activity; Child and Family Services Reviews (OMB #0970-0214)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/faq/national-cbcap-nofo-faqs" rel="nofollow">2024 National Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Notice of Funding Opportunity Frequently Asked Questions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/faq/tribal-cip-nofo-faqs" rel="nofollow">2024 Tribal Court Improvement Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Frequently Asked Questions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/policy-guidance/dear-colleague-letter-dually-involved-youth" rel="nofollow">Dear Colleague Letter on Addressing the Complex Needs of Dually Involved Youth</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/strategies-making-difference-ccwis-procurements" rel="nofollow">&#34;Strategies for Making a Difference in CCWIS Procurements&#34;</a> [Webinar recording and slides]</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/tu1-nytd-file-upload" rel="nofollow">Technical Update #1: Uploading Your Files to the NYTD Application</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/tu2-nytd-compliance-status" rel="nofollow">Technical Update #2: Downloading Your NYTD Compliance Status</a></li><li>FY 2024 Discretionary Grant Forecasts and Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs)*:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ3JhbnRzLmdvdi9zZWFyY2gtcmVzdWx0cy1kZXRhaWwvMzUxMDk5P3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1ub2ZvZnkyNCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Tm9mb2ZvcmVjYXN0MDIyMjI0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMi45MDY1NTM2MSJ9.FF4watu4KxJaxkgdKg_Fn3gmLx2fWH80XYBpzICxmWE/s/2979813196/br/237574295686-l" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The National Center for Tribal Child Welfare Innovation and Advancement (HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-CZ-0067)</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ3JhbnRzLmdvdi9zZWFyY2gtcmVzdWx0cy1kZXRhaWwvMzQ5NzU3P3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1ub2ZvZnkyNCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Tm9mb2ZvcmVjYXN0MDIyMjI0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMi45MDY1NTM2MSJ9.7b7dpsuX8Da70mi9PdAkG-g6vHhXVtw8ljNZi6e7CB0/s/2979813196/br/237574295686-l" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Tribal Court Improvement Program (HHS-2024-ACF-ACYF-CS-0053)</a> </li></ul>
</li></ul>
Administration for Children and Families: 
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation&#39;s Child Welfare Community Collaborations Initiative:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/approaches-collaborative-partnerships-child-welfare-community-collaborations?utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_source&#61;govdelivery" rel="nofollow">Approaches to Collaborative Partnerships in the Child Welfare Community Collaborations Initiatives</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/child-welfare-community-collaborations-cohort-1-grantee-profiles?utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_source&#61;govdelivery" rel="nofollow">Child Welfare Community Collaborations Cohort 1 Grantee Profiles</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/supporting-equity-through-child-welfare-community-collaborations" rel="nofollow">Supporting Equity Through Child Welfare Community Collaborations</a></li></ul>
</li><li>Office on Trafficking in Persons&#39; National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/fact-sheet/building-healthy-productive-workforce" rel="nofollow">Building a Healthy, Productive Workforce</a></li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/fact-sheet/creating-psychological-safety-leadership-development" rel="nofollow">Creating Psychological Safety in Leadership Development</a></li></ul>
</li><li><a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2024/finalized-rule-expands-public-agencies-ability-fund-legal-representation" rel="nofollow">Finalized Rule Expands Public Agencies Ability to Fund Legal Representation on Behalf of Families Involved in Child Welfare</a> [Press release]</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. 
*Visit <a href="https://grants.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">grants.gov</a> for the latest information.

The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation published two briefs seeking to improve equity in child welfare through strategic data use. Developed as part of the Child Welfare Study to Enhance Equity

New Briefs From the Child Welfare Study to Enhance Equity With Data

The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation published two briefs seeking to improve equity in child welfare through strategic data use. Developed as part of the Child Welfare Study to Enhance Equity With Data, these briefs provide guidance on how child welfare agencies can better collect, analyze, and use demographic data to address and understand inequities within the system.
<a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/what-why-and-how-collecting-and-analyzing-demographic-data-improve-equity-child-welfare" rel="nofollow">The What, Why, and How of Collecting and Analyzing Demographic Data to Improve Equity in Child Welfare</a>
This brief emphasizes the importance of demographic data in understanding and addressing inequities in child welfare. It outlines the processes state and local child welfare agencies adopted to determine what data to collect, the reasons behind collecting these data, and the methodologies for data collection and usage. The brief seeks to help agencies systematically measure and understand disparities, laying the foundation for more informed decision-making and policy development.
The brief identified practices from an environmental scan of published literature and state and federal documents. Some of the key takeaways include the following:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Identify relevant demographic data to collect</li><li>Understand the purpose and importance of collecting specific data types</li><li>Use multiple measures to gain a more complete understanding of the extent of the disparity</li></ul>
<a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/using-data-enhance-equity-child-welfare-findings-environmental-scan" rel="nofollow">Using Data to Enhance Equity in Child Welfare: Findings From an Environmental Scan</a>
This brief provides insights from an environmental scan highlighting emerging data practices that support child welfare agencies and their partners in advancing equity across the child welfare service continuum. It presents examples of innovative data practices and tools that have shown promise in promoting equity, offering a roadmap for agencies to enhance their data strategies.
The brief organizes the data practices into the five stages of the data life cycle and offers recommendations and strategies for approaching each:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Data planning</li><li>Data collection</li><li>Data access, management, and linking</li><li>Data analysis, metrics, and interpretation</li><li>Reporting and dissemination</li></ul>
Both briefs highlight the necessity for child welfare agencies to use the power of data to foster equitable outcomes for all children and families. Agencies can use the data practices and strategies in these briefs to better understand and address the systemic inequities that affect vulnerable populations.

Written by Children's Bureau Division of State Systems staff For young people, aging out of foster care is a significant step in their life journey. These young adults now find themselves on the brink

Empowering Young People in Foster Care: How Technology Supports Aging-Out Transitions

Written by Children&#39;s Bureau Division of State Systems staff
For young people, aging out of foster care is a significant step in their life journey. These young adults now find themselves on the brink of independence, sometimes without a ready support system or accessible resources to help them as they navigate the challenges of independence and adulthood. However, technology can play a vital role in supporting their transition to independence. Let&#39;s discover how technology can empower young people formerly and currently in foster care.
Continuing Education
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Bridging the gap. When transitioning into the adult world, access to continuing education can provide youth with new skills and learning experiences. Today&#39;s technology bridges geographical gaps, which allows young people formerly and currently in foster care to pursue a higher education remotely. These flexible learning opportunities can occur through virtual classrooms, online courses, and educational apps. Scholarships and financial aid portals are also available online to provide students with essential information or answer questions.</li><li>Personalized learning. Frequent out-of-home placements, among other circumstances, can create challenges for young people in foster care that lead to a disrupted education or interrupted schooling. Personalized learning is one resource that can help young people catch up to their peers, fill knowledge gaps, and progress educationally at their own pace. These adaptive learning platforms can tailor academic content to an individual student&#39;s specific needs.</li></ul>
Gaining Employment
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Digital job searches. Technology simplifies job hunting. Online job boards, resume builders, and professional networking platforms connect young people in foster care with potential employment opportunities. Virtual career fairs also allow young people to explore diverse fields and connect with employers.</li><li>New skill development. E-learning platforms offer employment skills such as vocational courses, coding boot camps, and other types of training. These platforms allow young people in foster care to gain marketable skills that may enhance their employability.</li><li>Job site training and courses. Some employers offer online training, courses, and other educational opportunities that young people in foster care can complete through the company&#39;s learning platforms. Some employers also pay for their employees&#39; advanced educational degrees or certifications, which can benefit young people in foster care by expanding their skills and knowledge.</li></ul>
Life-Skill Resilience
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Mental health apps. Mental health apps offer young people in foster care information on coping strategies, self-care ideas, mindfulness exercises, and assistance helplines. These apps can empower young people to play an active role in managing their own emotional well-being.</li><li>Videoconferencing connections. When appropriate and while protecting any legal prohibitions, videoconferencing technology can be used to help young people stay connected to their siblings and birth families, which can provide additional mental health benefits and emotional comfort to those involved.</li><li>Financial literacy apps. Budgeting apps and financial websites can help young people in foster care learn more about fiscal literacy and other monetary advice. This information allows young people to gain money management skills, create a budget, build credit, and plan for their financial future.</li></ul>
Community Support
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Locating resources. Websites and apps can help young people in foster care find local resources to help with their day-to-day living needs, such as counseling services, housing options, and legal aid. Technology helps young people by providing a way to reach out for these services.</li><li>Virtual support networks. Social media communities, online forums, and support groups connect young people in foster care with peers who share similar experiences. These networks can provide emotional support and advice and promote a sense of belonging.</li></ul>
Empowering Advice
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Virtual mentoring. Technology can connect young people in foster care with mentors who guide them through challenges. Whether it&#39;s career advice, life skills, or emotional support, virtual mentors can play a crucial role in the aging-out transition process.</li><li>Transition planning tools. Apps and websites can help young people in foster care with creating personalized transition plans. From housing arrangements to education pathways, these tools can empower young people to take charge of their future.</li></ul>
Child Welfare Information Systems
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Locating personal information. When transitioning out of foster care, a young person might need access to their own medical records. Or as they search for employment, a young person might need to provide employers with personal or demographic information, such as their foster care address history, when a job requires a background check. Fortunately, today&#39;s child welfare technology can be used to help young people gain easier access to this important personal data without having to physically visit a child welfare office.</li><li>National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD). As per 45 CFR 1355.20, states receiving funding through the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood are required to submit data to NYTD. NYTD data are used to learn more about the services provided to and outcomes experienced by youth transitioning out of foster care. Surveys can be used to gather some NYTD data. One way to improve efficiency in the collection of this data might be to include the survey in your state&#39;s child welfare information system, and then provide young people with the access needed to complete the survey.</li><li>Enhancing Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) functionality. CCWIS teams should consider the unique needs of young people transitioning from foster care and identify areas where automation can improve their work, such as by sending alerts to run credit checks for young people. The <a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/engaging-youth-information-systems-design-toolkit" rel="nofollow">Engaging Youth in Information Systems Design Toolkit</a> contains information to consider when enhancing CCWIS functionality in areas such as providing young people with system access to their records, case planning, proof of foster care status, court participation, and transition planning.</li></ul>
Technology isn’t a total remedy for young people beginning their independent lives, but it can be a powerful ally. By leveraging today’s resources, these digital tools can help young people in foster care transition more successfully into adulthood. Let’s continue to innovate, advocate, and create a supportive system that empowers these resilient young individuals to live their best lives. 
Additional Resources
<a href="https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/article/2021/january/aging-out-of-foster-care-reflection-on-transition-and-transformation/793804031b92c150517620efe54bcb53" rel="nofollow">&#34;Aging Out of Foster Care: Reflection on Transition and Transformation,&#34;</a> Carol Wilson Spigner, in Children&#39;s Bureau Express 22(1)
<a title="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/ccwis-lived-experience" href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/ccwis-lived-experience" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">&#34;Engaging Lived Experience to Strengthen CCWIS&#34; webinar</a>, Children&#39;s Bureau 
<a href="https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/training-technical-assistance/engaging-youth-information-systems-design-toolkit" rel="nofollow">Engaging Youth in Information Systems Design Toolkit</a>, Children&#39;s Bureau 
<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/foster-care/youth-transition-toolkit.pdf" rel="nofollow">Foster Care Transition Toolkit</a>, U.S. Department of Education
<a href="https://www.childtrends.org/publications/supporting-young-people-transitioning-foster-care-findings-national-survey" rel="nofollow">Supporting Young People Transitioning From Foster Care: Findings From a National Survey</a>, Child Trends
<a href="https://www.aecf.org/topics/youth-in-transition" rel="nofollow">Youth in Transition (Aging Out)</a>, The Annie E. Casey Foundation 
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Written by the Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency Launched in October 2021 and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and

QIC-EY Lessons Learned: Fundamental Insights to Engage Children and Youth

Written by the Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency
Launched in October 2021 and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau, the Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency (QIC-EY) is charged with advancing child welfare programs and practice to ensure they are authentically engaging and empowering children and youth in child welfare throughout the United States, especially concerning permanency decisions.
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To share fundamental insights, QIC-EY created a series of Lessons Learned, which bring to life the knowledge gained as the project progresses with practical applications for advancing the authentic engagement of children and youth. 
<h3><a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/qic-ey-lessons-learned-authentic-engagement-of-children-and-youth-reimagined-and-clearly-defined/" rel="nofollow">Lesson #1: Defining Authentic Engagement</a></h3>
The journey had to begin with a clear definition of authentic engagement. QIC-EY found significant variance in how youth engagement is defined across different child welfare systems and developed a comprehensive definition that emphasizes actively and intentionally partnering with children and youth in ways that resonate with them. This involves commitment, flexibility, strong communication skills, knowledge of development and trauma-informed care, a strengths-based approach, and cultural humility. We encourage agencies to review QIC-EY&#39;s definition and reflect on their definitions of youth engagement.
<h3><a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/lessons-learned-2/" rel="nofollow">Lesson #2: Leadership&#39;s Role in Engagement</a></h3>
Senior-level leaders play a crucial role in fostering an environment that prioritizes relationship building. Although they may not engage directly with clients, their commitment to valuing and modeling authentic engagement creates a supportive culture. This leads to better decision-making processes where children and youth are central, ultimately benefiting the entire system.
<h3><a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/lessons-learned-3/" rel="nofollow">Lesson #3: Key Characteristics for Engagement</a></h3>
A literature review by QIC-EY identified three critical characteristics for child welfare workers: commitment, self-awareness, and flexibility. These traits are essential for building deeper connections with children and youth. Leaders must prioritize these characteristics within their workforce to remove barriers that hinder authentic engagement.
<h3><a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/lessons-learned-4/" rel="nofollow">Lesson #4: Essential Competencies</a></h3>
QIC-EY outlines nine competencies vital for relationship building and partnering with children and youth. These include partnering, using a strengths-based approach, communication, cultural humility, building trust, informing and preparing children and youth, understanding development, advocating, and using a trauma-informed approach. To support ongoing skill development with on-demand content, QIC-EY NOW! offers multimedia tools featuring real-life stories, insights, and practical tips.
<h3><a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/lessons-learned-5/" rel="nofollow">Lesson #5: Engaging Youth With Lived Expertise in System Change</a></h3>
Lesson #5 is particularly significant as it focuses on the inclusion of youth and young adults with lived expertise in system transformation efforts and underscores the value of personal experience in driving effective change at practice, program, and policy levels. By valuing their experiences and supporting their participation, child welfare systems can create more effective and compassionate practices that truly prioritize the needs and voices of children and youth. This lesson delineates key points to consider for engaging youth and young adults in these efforts.
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<a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/lessons-learned-6/" rel="nofollow">Lesson #6: Enhancing Engagement With Children and Youth Requires Assessing Agency Capacities and Practices</a>
To enhance engagement with children and youth, a child welfare agency must thoroughly assess its organizational capacities and practices. System change aims to improve engagement and begins with evaluating concrete resources, organizational structure, knowledge and skills, culture, and partnerships. This process involves multiple partners—including professionals, youth with lived expertise, and agency partners—to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities. Key areas for assessment include resources for engagement activities, policies supporting authentic engagement, training for professionals, and the agency&#39;s culture and climate. Additionally, meaningful involvement of youth in policy development and decision-making is crucial for fostering authentic engagement and ensuring children and youth have a voice and choice in permanency planning.
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Find all the Lessons Learned on the <a href="https://qic-ey.org/products/lessons-learned/" rel="nofollow">QIC-EY website</a>. 
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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 National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support published a new resource to help adoptive families address the challenges of early childhood trauma and compromised attachments. "Building a Therapeutic

Helping Adoptive Families Build a Therapeutic Web

The National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support published a new resource to help adoptive families address the challenges of early childhood trauma and compromised attachments. <a href="https://postadoptioncenter.org/resource-library/building-a-therapeutic-web-creating-connections-for-growth/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Building a Therapeutic Web: Creating Connections for Growth&#34;</a> emphasizes the pivotal role of relationships in providing safety, stability, and vital connections necessary for healing and growth.
The therapeutic web of relationships supports three main areas:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Safety: Secure, trusting relationships can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of early trauma. By fostering a sense of safety, children can begin to heal and develop healthier attachments.</li><li>Stability: Stability is not just about a consistent home environment but also about the presence of reliable and supportive people in the child’s life. The resource details how to build and maintain these essential relationships.</li><li>Connection. Families are encouraged to construct a &#34;therapeutic web&#34; comprising primary relationships (family and close friends), community ties (schools, neighborhoods, and extracurricular groups), and professional connections (therapists, social workers, and health-care providers).</li></ul>
The guide provides practical advice on engaging with community resources, finding professional support, and strengthening family bonds:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Brainstorm with family members and postpermanency staffers about who may provide support.</li><li>Leverage local programs and support groups to build a robust community network.</li><li>Use therapeutic services and professional guidance to address specific trauma-related issues.</li></ul>
A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v&#61;iIp0L-v2M7w" rel="nofollow">short video</a> is also available, providing an accessible overview of the resource that highlights the practical applications discussed in the guide.
By integrating these strategies, adoption professionals can help adoptive families create a nurturing environment that supports the child’s emotional and psychological growth, leading to a healthier and more stable family dynamic.
Access the full resource and the video on the <a href="https://postadoptioncenter.org/resource-library/building-a-therapeutic-web-creating-connections-for-growth/" rel="nofollow">National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support website</a>.

A video tutorial from FRIENDS National Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention provides guidance to help individuals practice storytelling techniques. Specifically, it is designed to help parent

Video Tutorial Helps Viewers Practice Storytelling

A video tutorial from FRIENDS National Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention provides guidance to help individuals practice storytelling techniques. Specifically, it is designed to help parent leaders, state leaders, and practitioners craft a story about their role in prevention work that they can use when communicating with funders, legislators, and others. It can be especially helpful for individuals with lived experience who have become advocates and leaders in the child welfare sphere.
<a href="https://friendsnrc.org/resources/storytelling-a-guide-to-support-you-in-finding-your-voice-your-value-your-story/" rel="nofollow">&#34;Storytelling: A Guide to Support You in Finding Your Voice, Your Value, and Your Story&#34;</a> features an instructor who walks viewers through guided and self-paced exercises designed to help them convey the passion and motivation behind their work. Users are invited to participate in brainstorming sessions, with built-in pauses, to think through what makes their story unique, what they want people to take away from their story, and what drives the work they do. The instructor also provides exercises to help viewers practice storytelling techniques, such as eliminating filler words like &#34;umm&#34; and limiting their monologue to 3 minutes.  
The tutorial is available on the <a href="https://friendsnrc.org/" rel="nofollow">FRIENDS website</a>.

Jurisdictions are increasingly exploring ways to divert youth accused of delinquent behavior from the justice system. Compared to young people who are arrested and prosecuted in juvenile court, young people

The Rising Movement to Divert Youth Out of the Justice System 

Jurisdictions are increasingly exploring ways to divert youth accused of delinquent behavior from the justice system. Compared to young people who are arrested and prosecuted in juvenile court, young people who are diverted from formal court processing are less likely to be arrested for subsequent offenses and more likely to succeed in education and employment.
A recent brief from the Sentencing Project, <a href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/protect-and-redirect-americas-growing-movement-to-divert-youth-out-of-the-justice-system/" rel="nofollow">Protect and Redirect: America’s Growing Movement to Divert Youth Out of the Justice System</a>, details significant diversion reform efforts undertaken by jurisdictions in the last 5 to 10 years. It begins by providing background information about diversion efforts using data about the outcomes of diverted youth, including data exploring diversion efforts by race that highlight disparities.
There are many ways to expand diversion opportunities, as evidenced by efforts made by state and local justice systems. The brief provides examples of various new laws, programs, and pathways to expand the use of diversion.
In addition, it emphasizes the steps jurisdictions have taken to promote racial and ethnic equity in diversion. Studies show that White youth are diverted at higher rates than other groups, including Black and African American youth, Hispanic and Latino youth, and American Indian/Alaska Native youth.
The issue brief is the first in a <a href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/diversion-the-next-frontier-in-reforming-youth-justice/" rel="nofollow">series of publications about youth diversion</a> released in 2024. The other four briefs highlight the following topics:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>How to address disparities in diversion</li><li>Best practices for diversion</li><li>Using data to maximize success in diversion</li><li>Effective messaging to promote diversion</li></ul>
Visit the <a href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/protect-and-redirect-americas-growing-movement-to-divert-youth-out-of-the-justice-system/" rel="nofollow">Sentencing Project website</a> for more information.

Child welfare agencies can face challenges meeting the complex needs of immigrant families. This population has grown steadily in the United States over the last several decades, and while there is no

Study Examines Models for Supporting Immigrant Families in Child Welfare 

Child welfare agencies can face challenges meeting the complex needs of immigrant families. This population has grown steadily in the United States over the last several decades, and while there is no systemwide approach to effectively serving immigrant families, many jurisdictions have implemented programs and models at the local level. A recent study by the Center on Immigration and Child Welfare examines some of these models and highlights key components and models so that they can be adapted in other jurisdictions.
The study, <a href="https://cimmcw.org/an-examination-of-child-welfare-agency-models-that-serve-immigrant-children-and-families/" rel="nofollow">“An Examination of Child Welfare Agency Models That Serve Immigrant Children and Families,”</a> was published in March 2024. Researchers collected information from child welfare professionals from seven different agencies in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon. Each one-on-one interview focused on 10 domains to capture key components of child welfare practice with immigrant families:
<ol style="list-style-position: inside;" start="1" type="1"><li>Structure of the immigration model and staffing</li><li>Citizenship determination</li><li>Consular notification</li><li>Communication with family members</li><li>Legal screening</li><li>Trafficking</li><li>Unaccompanied minors</li><li>International reunification and repatriation</li><li>Parent in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention</li><li>Translation and interpretation services</li></ol>
After analyzing interview results, researchers identified three main themes:
<ol style="list-style-position: inside;" start="1" type="1"><li>Specialization of immigrant-related knowledge and skill sets: Many jurisdictions in the study had staff with specialized expertise in serving immigrant families. These specialized staff were either in the form of a specialized office or unit, dedicated staff members, or bilingual staff.</li><li>Formal and informal relationships with consulates and external partners: Study participants highlighted the importance of working with consulates and community providers. The benefits of these partnerships included support obtaining documentation, engaging parents who are detained by ICE, and addressing legal needs and challenges.</li><li>Creative and innovative approaches to engaging immigrant families: Approaches include committing extra time to rapport and trust building, being culturally informed, and maintaining connections across international borders.</li></ol>
Read the full study, published in the <a href="https://cimmcw.org/wp-content/uploads/An-examination-of-child-welfare-agency-models-that-serve-immigrant-children-and-families.pdf" rel="nofollow">Journal of Public Child Welfare</a>, for more details about each of the three themes as well as study limitations and directions for future research.

A new tool from Youth Collaboratory provides guidance for developing and sustaining youth and young adult leadership groups. Guide to Authentic Youth Leadership and Collaboration was designed for youth

Youth Collaboratory Releases Youth Leadership and Collaboration Guide 

A new tool from Youth Collaboratory provides guidance for developing and sustaining youth and young adult leadership groups. <a href="https://www.youthcollaboratory.org/toolkit/guide-authentic-youth-leadership-and-collaboration" rel="nofollow">Guide to Authentic Youth Leadership and Collaboration</a> was designed for youth and young adult leaders, advocates, and adult partners to apply across various human services sectors.
The guide is a product of Youth Collaboratory’s youth catalyst team. It features sections on developing mission and vision statements, establishing a team culture, determining compensation and invoicing, optimizing team functionality and workstyles, organizing meetings and events, and creating and facilitating group presentations.
Each section provides thorough guidance designed to be adapted to the needs and goals of individual groups. For example, the team culture section addresses the following topics:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Mutual agreements</li><li>Managing disagreement and restorative practices</li><li>Power and decision-making dynamics</li><li>Supporting young leaders in their roles</li><li>Peer relationships and dynamics</li><li>Self-care and community care</li><li>Formality of spaces</li><li>Increasing engagement</li><li>Virtual team building</li><li>Communications</li><li>Team representation</li><li>Transition and closure</li></ul>
Explore the guide for more details about prioritizing youth leadership and establishing youth and young adult leadership groups. It is available on the <a href="https://www.youthcollaboratory.org/toolkit/guide-authentic-youth-leadership-and-collaboration" rel="nofollow">Youth Collaboratory website</a>.

The child welfare industry is increasingly prioritizing and investing in prevention—strategies that equip families with the tools and resources they need to thrive before their situation escalates to crisis.

New Framework Highlights Holistic Prevention Strategies to Support Family Well-Being 

The child welfare industry is increasingly prioritizing and investing in prevention—strategies that equip families with the tools and resources they need to thrive before their situation escalates to crisis. In support of these efforts, Chapin Hall, in partnership with the Doris Duke Foundation, developed a strategic framework to develop an integrated child and family well-being system. It provides an overview of the greater vision while outlining specific steps needed to achieve it.
The Meeting Family Needs Framework is anchored in two foundational conditions for change:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Shared leadership with communities and lived experience</li><li>Collaboration, synergy, shared ownership, and accountability</li></ul>
In addition to the two conditions, the framework highlights six components of systems change:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Strategic service expansion: Expand supports and services to meet families’ basic needs.</li><li>Eligibility expansion: Increase the number of families who are eligible to receive supports before a crisis occurs.</li><li>Enhance accessibility: Reduce administrative barriers and red tape. </li><li>Family-centered practice: Expand workforce capacity to use family-centered practices that result in higher engagement.</li><li>Community-centric delivery: Partner with communities to deliver services and establish culturally responsive service arrays.  </li><li>Narrow child protective response: Reduce child welfare intervention to only cases with safety risks.</li></ul>
There are several approaches leaders and communities can take to using the framework, including using it as a catalyst to build stronger collaborations with people with lived experience and across agencies; create, expand, or sequence action plans; and engage the child welfare community in existing work by the health, human services, and caregiving systems.
Chapin Hall offers a variety of resources related to the framework, including a <a href="https://www.chapinhall.org/project/meeting-family-needs/" rel="nofollow">webpage</a>, the <a href="https://www.chapinhall.org/wp-content/uploads/Chapin-Hall_Meeting-Family-Needs-Framework_March-2024.pdf" rel="nofollow">full framework</a>, the <a href="https://www.chapinhall.org/wp-content/uploads/Chapin-Hall_Meeting-Family-Needs-At-a-Glance_March-2024.pdf" rel="nofollow">framework &#34;at a glance,&#34;</a> and a one-page overview. Future work will include briefs on each of the six systems change components.

Developmental relationships—or relationships with supportive adults and peers—are critical for young people, especially young people who grow up in challenging circumstances like the child welfare system.

Examining the Importance of Developmental Relationships for Young People

Developmental relationships—or relationships with supportive adults and peers—are critical for young people, especially young people who grow up in challenging circumstances like the child welfare system.
Developmental relationships have many benefits, including helping young people shape their lives, build resilience, and thrive. These connections can take many forms and may occur with family, in the classroom, in youth programs, and in faith communities. A recent guide from Search Institute, <a href="https://info.searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships-download" rel="nofollow">Developmental Relationships Help Young People Thrive</a>, highlights the importance of these relationships and outlines strategies to intentionally create them within schools, families, programs, and communities.
The guide provides an overview of a developmental relationships framework, which is made up of five elements:
<ol style="list-style-position: inside;" start="1" type="1"><li>Express care</li><li>Challenge growth</li><li>Provide support</li><li>Share power</li><li>Expand possibilities</li></ol>
It also includes tools and links to resources to help organizations, leaders, and practitioners learn about young people’s experiences and create pathways to intentionally build relationships. Explore the guide for more information.

The National Runaway Safeline (NRS), a service funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families, provides crisis intervention services to young people

Getting to Know the National Runaway Safeline

The <a href="https://www.1800runaway.org/" rel="nofollow">National Runaway Safeline</a> (NRS), a service funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families, provides crisis intervention services to young people who are experiencing crisis, have run away or are at risk of running away, or need someone to talk to, as well as to their families. It also offers prevention and education tools and programs to build the capacity of service providers, educators, law enforcement, and communities to directly support runaway and homeless youth and raise awareness about the issues they face.
A colorful and engaging website connects youth and young adults to free and confidential 24/7 support via a variety of methods, including the 1.800.RUNAWAY hotline, live chat messaging on the website, text, email, and a discussion forum moderated by the NRS crisis services team. While the website is geared toward younger users, web sections are also dedicated to concerned adults, service providers, and prevention and education. Visitors to the website can also access the <a href="https://www.1800runaway.org/lets-talk-podcast" rel="nofollow">Let&#39;s Talk podcast</a> and the NRS <a href="https://www.1800runaway.org/blog" rel="nofollow">blog</a>.
A recent <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ2PXI3Ym8xYVhhVnJnIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMyOC45MjUwNTQwMSJ9.kTi4D4IJXZSSmQ7v33szpEq_dcS4Uxn6mSVQ4A9NUak/s/1000935222/br/239741076478-l" rel="nofollow">NRS video presentation</a> provides an introduction to NRS and its programs, services, and resources. The presentation provides an overview of the issue of youth homelessness, citing a <a href="https://www.chapinhall.org/research/one-in-10-young-adults-experience-homelessness-during-one-year/" rel="nofollow">Chapin Hall study</a> that indicates more than 4 million young people will experience homelessness in the United States each year. It also explores the challenges and negative outcomes associated with homelessness and housing instability, such as inconsistent access to food, inability to attend or graduate from school, struggles with mental and physical health, substance use, unsafe or violent situations, and more. The presentation centers on the many services and programs NRS provides, including its crisis support services, prevention curriculum, education and outreach materials, National Runaway Prevention Month, Youth Ambassador program, Home Free program, and more.
Learn more by watching the hour-long <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ2PXI3Ym8xYVhhVnJnIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMyOC45MjUwNTQwMSJ9.kTi4D4IJXZSSmQ7v33szpEq_dcS4Uxn6mSVQ4A9NUak/s/1000935222/br/239741076478-l" rel="nofollow">NRS video presentation</a> and visiting the <a href="https://www.1800runaway.org/" rel="nofollow">NRS website</a>.

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, so it's imperative that we, as caring adults, help the kids in our lives build the mental health skills they need to thrive. With this goal,

Mental Health Fitness for Children and Youth

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, so it&#39;s imperative that we, as caring adults, help the kids in our lives build the mental health skills they need to thrive. With this goal, the Child Mind Institute developed a series of tip sheets that provide ways to help grow and nurture the emotional well-being and mental fitness of all children.
One-page mental health skills sheets are available for children and youth in <a href="https://childmind.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/240502_MENTAL_HEALTH_FITNESS_TIP_SHEETS_Elementary.pdf" rel="nofollow">elementary school</a>, <a href="https://childmind.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/240502_MENTAL_HEALTH_FITNESS_TIP_SHEETS_MiddleSchool.pdf" rel="nofollow">middle school</a>, and <a href="https://childmind.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/240502_MENTAL_HEALTH_FITNESS_TIP_SHEETS_HighSchool.pdf" rel="nofollow">high school</a>, and each is organized into the following sections:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li>Understanding feelings</li><li>Understanding thoughts</li><li>Managing emotions</li></ul>
These resources were made available as part of the Mental Health Fitness campaign in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, which occurs every May. To learn more about the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v&#61;oQhWj1dpmUs&amp;list&#61;PLnEQkAsadC1E-A39tPlF0_D5hwjXsU9lk" rel="nofollow">campaign</a> and to access the tip sheets, visit the <a href="https://childmind.org/mentalhealthfitness/?utm_medium&#61;email&amp;utm_source&#61;newsletter&amp;utm_campaign&#61;cmi-update-2024-05&amp;utm_content&#61;mentalhealthfitness" rel="nofollow">Child Mind Institute website</a>.

A recent episode from the Creating a Family: Talk About Adoption and Foster Care podcast series focuses on youth suicide awareness and trauma-informed prevention. In the 48-minute episode, guest Dr. Angela

Podcast Episode Discusses Suicide Awareness and Prevention

A recent episode from the Creating a Family: Talk About Adoption and Foster Care podcast series focuses on youth suicide awareness and trauma-informed prevention. In the 48-minute episode, guest Dr. Angela Tunno, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor at Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, speaks on the hard but important topic of youth suicide, providing information, including, but not limited to, the following:
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li>Warning signs that a child or youth may be considering suicide</li><li>Risk factors for a youth or child who may be at greater danger of suicide</li><li>Evidence-based and trauma-informed steps caring adults can take when they are concerned for children and youth</li><li>Getting support and therapy</li></ul>
The episode also includes information specific to race and ethnicity; youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or other gender or sexual identity; helplines and other supportive resources; and more.
To listen to the episode and view an overview of its contents, visit the Creating a Family <a href="https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/adoption-radio-shows/suicide-awareness-and-prevention/" rel="nofollow">website</a>.

Upcoming conferences and events on child welfare and adoption include the following: July "Rethinking Protection: Raising the Bar on Legal Protections for Survivors and Children" Futures Without Violence

Upcoming conferences and events on child welfare and adoption include the following:
July 
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PcpbVbMmQtyYY6KK-yFo3A#/registration" rel="nofollow">&#34;Rethinking Protection: Raising the Bar on Legal Protections for Survivors and Children&#34;</a> Futures Without Violence Virtual, July 1 </li><li><a href="https://www.ffta.org/page/Call2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">FFTA 38th Annual Conference</a>  Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA) Denver, CO, July 7–10   </li><li><a href="https://postadoptioncenter.org/event/when-to-co-share-parenting-in-kinship-families-who-have-adopted-or-obtained-guardianship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">&#34;When to Co/Share Parenting in Kinship Families Who Have Adopted or Obtained Guardianship&#34;</a>  National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support  Virtual, July 11   </li><li><a href="https://postadoptioncenter.org/event/an-in-depth-look-at-technical-assistance-available-to-states-tribal-nations-and-territories/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">&#34;An In-Depth Look at Technical Assistance Available to States, Tribal Nations, and Territories&#34;</a>  National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support  Virtual, July 16 </li><li><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_viVkN7uOT1yvXZ3pwrhbTA#/registration" rel="nofollow">&#34;Supporting Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth&#34;</a> National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services Virtual, July 16 </li><li><a href="https://wearefamiliesrising.org/families-rising-adoption-and-foster-care-conference/" rel="nofollow">Families Rising Adoption and Foster Care Conference</a> Families Rising Virtual, July 17–18 </li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/stay-connected/events/ncjfcjs-87th-annual-conference/" rel="nofollow">87th Annual NCJFCJ Conference</a> National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) Phoenix, AZ, July 21–24 </li><li><a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nDm23UddT_yLjwhNEkyesg#/registration" rel="nofollow">&#34;Enhancing Your Diligent Recruitment Through Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship Parent Support&#34;</a> National Center for Diligent Recruitment Virtual, July 24  </li><li><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5IHbOtTCQQaYyMRIEzJcRA#/registration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">&#34;Responding to Prenatal Alcohol and Other Substance Exposures: FASD Assessment and Intervention&#34;</a>  Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) Virtual, July 24 </li><li><a href="https://adoptioncouncil.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lhfQdHtuRtG1jSiNTuJK8w#/registration" rel="nofollow">Adoption After Infertility: Lived Experience Panel</a> National Council for Adoption Virtual, July 30 </li><li><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/stay-connected/events/2024-zero-three-learn-conference/" rel="nofollow">ZERO TO THREE LEARN Conference</a> ZERO TO THREE Long Beach, CA, July 31–August 1 </li></ul>
August 
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;" type="disc"><li><a href="https://postadoptioncenter.org/event/contents-of-the-resource-library/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">&#34;Post-Adoption Center: Contents of the Resource Library&#34;</a>  National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support  Virtual, August 6   </li><li><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PG8-xgaqTn24IDbpQ4Ul0Q#/registration" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">&#34;Responding to Prenatal Alcohol and Other Substance Exposures: Multi-System Collaboration and Family Care Plans&#34;</a>   CWLA  Virtual, August 7   </li><li><a href="https://www.cffutures.org/ftc-practice-academy/intentional-integration/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Intentional Integration: How to Identify and Support Parents with Co-Occurring Disorders</a>  Center for Children and Family Futures  Virtual, August 8 </li><li><a href="https://naccchildlaw.org/conference/47th-national-child-welfare-law-conference/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">NACC&#39;s 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference</a> National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) Salt Lake City, UT, and Virtual, August 12–14</li></ul>
September
<ul style="list-style-position: inside;"><li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inaugural-prevention-convention-registration-891150594417?aff&#61;ebdsoporgprofile" rel="nofollow">2024 Prevention Convention</a> The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida Kissimmee, FL, September 12 </li></ul>

Futures Without Violence, a health and social justice nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending violence against women and children, recently held a roundtable webinar on the value of collaborating

Webinar Explores Strategies for Engaging Lived Experience Experts of Human Trafficking and Domestic and Sexual Abuse

Futures Without Violence, a health and social justice nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending violence against women and children, recently held a roundtable webinar on the value of collaborating with lived experience experts of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. In it, a panel of lived experience experts and advocates explore strategies for engaging and empowering survivors of human trafficking, the associated benefits and challenges, and the importance of utilizing survivor-centered approaches. Throughout the discussion, panelists share their unique experiences and lessons learned in their work fostering authentic partnerships.
Visit the Future&#39;s Without Violence <a href="https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/meaningful-engagement-partnership-lived-experience-experts-human-trafficking-domestic-sexual-abuse-roundtable-webinar/" rel="nofollow">website</a> to access a recording of the webinar &#34;Meaningful Engagement and Partnership with Lived Experience Experts of Human Trafficking, Domestic, and Sexual Abuse,&#34; which is available with American Sign Language and Spanish interpretation and closed captioning; presentation slides; presenter biographies; a list of related resources; and more.
Related item: Learn about two Futures Without Violence projects in the <a href="https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/article/2024/february/-approach-supports-families-in-child-welfare-affected-by-domestic-violence-/9419ca1b1b6f3190145dedf7624bcb6f" rel="nofollow">February</a> and <a href="https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/article/2024/may/empowering-young-people-in-the-age-of-social-media/79d072281badca50d58465b5624bcb73" rel="nofollow">May</a> issues of CBX.

July/August 2024Vol. 25, No. 6Mental Health Fitness for Children and Youth