One of the best aspects of these convenings was having the opportunity to listen to first-hand accounts from youth and adults who had been separated from their families and who had experienced traumatic situations. We had the honor of listening to individuals who had been abducted, who had grown up in institutions because of their disability, who migrated to the U.S. to reunite with family members, or who found out as an adult that their biological father was a sperm donor. The takeaway messages were very clear: in all of these complex scenarios, we must focus on the needs of each individual child. Children deserve our patience, information about what is happening to them, the right to know their biological families, and the right to know what their legal rights are. When children become separated from their families, their voices need to be heard so that we, as advocates and practitioners, can ensure that what we are doing is best for the child. Ultimately, it is our responsibility as child protection experts to keep children from harm, advocate for their rights, include their voices, and help prevent future abuse and exploitation. We must continue to make sure that our work focuses on the best interests of each child and that the child's voice is never lost, but rather, included as an important part of the way forward.

In the eloquent words of Mihaela Ivanova, "There is alternative care, but there is no ALTERNATIVE childhood!" We must learn from the traumatic experiences of these children and adults who have been separated from their families and work with children, adults, lawmakers, families, social work and legal professionals and other key stakeholders to both protect these vulnerable groups and prevent harm from happening to others.

Best Wishes,