Back to School: It’s Not Just a Fall Thing

Sometimes in a child’s life, there is a sudden need to move. Whether the move is due to a parent relocating for a new job or to live closer to extended family, it’s an occurrence that can be unavoidable. More often than not, moving to a new home also means moving to a new school, […]

Goats in Trees?

The argan trees of Southwestern Morocco bear a small fruit that contains a hard nut, kind of like an acorn. It turns out, goats really like this fruit. Argan trees are thorny, but these goats are undeterred. They climb the trees and graze among the gnarly branches for several hours a day in pursuit of […]

Layers of Identity

Growing up in Ohio, Diamond Walker felt like Cinderella — out of place, unwanted, unloved and unheard. She entered foster care at age 9, after her mother never came home one evening. “I just knew people were talking about me,” said Walker, 25. “It was like, ‘Oh, that’s the foster kid. Oh, that’s the kid […]

7 Ways to Help a Youth Transition Out of Foster Care

For most teenagers in America, turning 18 is an exciting time. High school graduation is right around the corner, and the possibilities of college or an exciting career are on the horizon. A sense of independence often fills the young adult with confidence and enthusiasm. It is often seen as a rite of passage into […]

Embracing Family Diversity During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us! It is a time for you and your family to enjoy time together, make special memories and celebrate. But what happens if your children celebrate one holiday and you celebrate another? Don’t panic! There are many steps you can take to make your holiday celebrations inclusive and enjoyable experiences […]

Growing Into Identity

“There is no such thing as a baby … if you set out to describe a baby, you will find you are describing a baby and someone,’’ wrote Donald Winnicott in the 1966 book “The Family and Individual Development.” It is through this lens that we begin to understand the process by which the babies […]

Do You See What I See?

Creating Safe Enough Spaces for Black-bodied Youth in Your Care In our nation, we are not well practiced in speaking openly about race and racism. Racism and discrimination can be silent dynamics that are felt in the body. As you read this article, notice how your body reacts to the information, prompts and activities. For […]

9 Reasons to Become a Foster Parent

Faded pink construction paper letters taped to the wall of the Department of Human Services classroom spelled welcome to DHS. Eric and I sat in the back, near the door, on blue cushioned chairs with wheels. On every long table, a scattered handful of hard candy — peppermints, butterscotch, Tootsie Pops. The facilitator stood at […]

Family First Act Takes Effect Across the Country

The federal Family First Act took effect October 1. Here’s what foster families need to know. On October 1, a major change in the way the federal government funds child welfare took effect across the country. The Family First Prevention Services Act is aimed at lowering the use of foster care, especially settings such as […]

A Neurodevelopmental Approach to Treating Complex Trauma

Therapist shares how she modified her practice to better meet the needs of children who’ve experienced trauma This morning, a mom asked me for tips interviewing the “millionth” therapist for her child. No parent should ever feel like they are about to meet the millionth therapist. Yet, this is the story I’ve heard repeatedly throughout […]