Mastery & Control

This year, we’ll share the seven core issues in adoption and permanency. The last core issue is Mastery & Control. All of the unidentified, unnamed, unacknowledged and ungrieved losses can create intense feelings of powerlessness and loss of control. Mastery over one’s life circumstances has been lost at some point by all members of the […]

Inside Transracial Adoption

Adoption is life-changing. Learning how to connect children to their race and culture is imperative to identity development. I was adopted at the age of 3 years old to a single African American woman. Growing up, I never heard of the term “transracial adoption,” probably because I am also African American. It is common for […]

Falling Isn’t Failing

Skateboarding program teaches Arizona kids how to thrive “I’ve never seen so many foster kids in one place smiling. What are you doing?” asked Arizona Department of Child Safety Director Mike Faust. He was speaking to Michael Shapiro, skater, former teacher and executive director of the +swappow PLUS Foundation, which uses skateboarding to teach life […]

‘Let’s Be Brave Together’

The Value of Supportive Relationships for Foster Parents It takes a lot of courage to be a foster, kin or adoptive parent. Courage that multiplies when it is shared. Several years ago I took my grandson Daniel to the Olentangy Indian Caverns in Ohio to explore the underground caves. When we were at the top […]

Making Sense of Alphabet Soup

What do common mental health diagnoses mean, and how can you address them? Opening the medical history file of a child in foster care can be a sobering confirmation of the disproportionate health burdens carried by those in the foster care system. Due to their increased exposure to trauma, neglect or maltreatment, youth in foster […]

Four Ways to do Foster Care Differently in 2021

It’s probably safe to say that most of us want 2021 to shake out differently than 2020. Even though the flipping of the calendar from December 31 to January 1 is essentially no different than the flipping of the calendar between July 27 and July 28, we place a lot into the hope that this […]

Co-regulation Promotes Emotional Development

Think of a time when you have been with someone who is excited. Did you notice yourself become more physically active, talkative and/or emotionally responsive? Think of a time when YOU were really excited. Did you notice that person mirror your emotions? Now, think of a time when you have been with someone who is […]