Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois’ Post

To empower youth in foster care, one must understand and appreciate how Black history intersects with the child welfare system in America today. Here are five resources for allyship with Black youth in foster care this #BlackHistoryMonth. https://rebrand.ly/y892tvs

It's #National Foster Care Month. Too many American families find themselves struggling because of gaps in health, economic, and #HumanServices systems. And too often families are sent to the child welfare system for well-being needs and support that #ChildWelfare was not designed to provide. We need a multi-system approach designed to meet family needs from the start and prevent children from entering the foster care system when not necessary. Explore a new strategic framework for this child and family well-being system: https://lnkd.in/gxqsb7kq

Come hear about the amazing progress agencies are making in the adoption of kin-specific licensing and approval!

🏡 Exploring Community Alternatives to Child Welfare 🧡 Seeking Your Input! 🗣️ Dear #LinkedInCommunity, As we strive to create a safer and more nurturing environment for children, it's essential to consider alternative approaches to child welfare that prioritize community involvement and support. I'm passionate about exploring innovative solutions that empower families and strengthen our neighborhoods. 🔍 What are Community Alternatives to Child Welfare? Traditional child welfare systems have often relied on removing children from their homes in times of crisis. However, there is growing evidence that community-based approaches can offer better outcomes for both children and families. These approaches emphasize preventative measures, family support, and addressing the root causes of challenges faced by families. 💡 Your Input Matters! 💬 I believe that the best ideas come from collective wisdom. I would love to hear from all of you on this critical topic. Whether you work in child welfare, social services, community development, or have personal experiences to share, your insights can make a significant difference. 🤝 Let's Collaborate! Please share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions in the comments below. Let's use this platform to engage in constructive conversations and promote innovative solutions that prioritize the well-being of children and families. 🌟 Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community for our children! 🌟 Tag those who I should connect with. #ChildWelfareAlternatives #CommunitySupport #FamilyFirst #ChildrensWellbeing #SocialImpact Lexie Grüber-PérezDr. Amelia Franck MeyerMichael D. Davis-ThomasKevin CampbellNicola Bailey, MHC, MPAKimah BurrellDr. Elizabeth WynterTiffany WrightMike WilliamsMike ShaverMischa MartinJoseph E. Ribsam Jr.Hannah McIntire, Ed.M.Dr. Eliza McCall-HorneAndrea DanesElizabeth BlackWill Hornsby, MSWRebecca Jones GastonJerry MilnerDavid KellyJey RajaramanShrounda SelivanoffSamuel Martin, MPALeonard BurtonCorey BestTewabech Genet StewartJoyce McMillanMatt AndersonTimAmelia FrankDr. Alger M. Studstill, Jr.

Still asking for more feedback on this post. I know so many of you are asking yourselves this in your jobs. Join the conversation!

Do you want to make a difference in child welfare? Florida youth, ages 14-25, and parents or guardians (foster parents, relative and non-relative caregivers) who have experience in the child welfare system are eligible to apply to advocate to professionals involved in decision making in Florida. bit.ly/FICW-ADVOCACY The Institute seeks to raise the power, position, and platform of young people, and we are glad to support individuals eligible for this opportunity. A financial support of $1000 will be provided to support selected awardees for the cost of travel and time to Children's Week or a similar event in Tallahassee. Parents or guardians (foster parents, relative and non-relative caregivers) who have exited the child welfare system within the past 24 months are also eligible to apply. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟵,𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. Please use the link above for more application instructions. #WeAreChildWelfare #ChildWelfare #advocacy #youthadvocacy #YouthInCare #Fosteryouths #Youthvoices #Funding #Parents #SocialWork #Florida

Who should receive social security benefits for youth in foster care? 💡 Casey Family Programs, the Children's Bureau, and Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders shined a light on a social security benefits issue in a webinar hosted by American Public Human Services Association - APHSA. 💡 LEx Leader Myla Garcia’s (age 28, PA) closing observation resonated throughout the audience: “People in child welfare forget children grow up.” 💡 Read about the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gKpnQJ48

Are we truly listening to grandfamily caregivers? Nationwide, for every 19 children living with relatives, only 1 is part of the child welfare system. Why do 18 out of 19 children remain in informal care? Discover the real reasons behind this disparity and what we can do to better support these families. Dive into our latest article to learn more about the challenges and potential solutions for kinship care. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eRZ5j7Qw

Reduced access to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is associated with increased risk of child maltreatment and child welfare system involvement. Increased access to TANF and other economic and concrete supports is associated with decreased child maltreatment referrals and foster care placements.  Increasing access to protective factors like TANF may be an effective strategy to prevent child maltreatment, keep families together, and address racial inequities. Learn more in our two-pager at the top of this page:  https://lnkd.in/etvByw_J.

The Indian Child Welfare Act PRIORITIZES placement with homes approved by the child’s Native Nation, and the homes of Native families. Unfortunately, there is a SHORTAGE of Native foster homes. NATIVES, contact your local child welfare agency and your Native Nation for more information on how to become a foster home. Non-Natives, support Native foster kids/families by: volunteering to be a Court Appointed Special Advocate https://bit.ly/4dBOWDk or contacting local and Native Nation child welfare agencies to donate your time and resources. You can also apply to be a resource family (foster family) to provide respite care. Non-Native families who are committed to keeping the kids connected with their Nation and to facilitate family connections are needed too! #NativeFosterCare #ChildrenBack