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NIPFC February 2026 Blast
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Hello again, we have an information-rich blast on a variety of topics this month. We begin with sharing a recently recorded podcast of Let's Have a Conversation with Tristian Smith, author of the memoir Against All Odds. In this episode, Tristian shares his experiences growing up in care and the impacts on his life through his military and post-military careers. Please see the full description below and click on the link for a great listen.
We are also pleased to share Kempe Center’s Call for Presentations, inviting global changemakers to help shape the program for A Global Gathering for the Future of Child Welfare.
In addition, we have released a new write-up about our Family Network Building approach, titled What Is Family Network Building? The link to read is included below.
Finally, we extend a Special Invitation: Over the years, we’ve collected questions that practitioners have found effective when identifying connections and family members for children and adults involved in the child welfare system. Since these questions are commonly requested by organizations wanting to improve their practice, we thought this would be a timely opportunity to update the list via this esteemed group of NIPFC followers. We are seeking your contributions of questions focused on finding and engaging kin (not just blood relatives), since local and national efforts more fully emphasize the importance of kin in the lives of youth and families now and long after their child welfare experience concludes.
Please click HERE to submit the question(s) you most rely on. Feel free to submit as many questions as you'd like! Over the next 60 days, we’ll compile all the responses and share the updated list through this blast and our social media channels.
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New Podcast Episode of Let's Have a Conversation with Tristian Smith,
Author of Against All Odds
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Check out our 21st episode of Let’s Have a Conversation! In this episode, Bob Friend and Mike Mertz interview Tristian Smith, author of the book Against All Odds and foster youth advocate. Tristian Smith is a retired Army officer, author, and advocate for foster youth whose life embodies resilience and hope. Raised in the foster care system, he moved through more than 25 homes and 13 schools across four cities, transforming instability into purpose. A former Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense officer, he brings a powerful perspective on overcoming adversity. In his memoir, Against All Odds, he shares a raw, inspiring journey through loss, abuse, and uncertainty, and how he ultimately found strength and meaning.
Listen to the new episode HERE.
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Kempe Center Call for Presentations for a Reimagined Global Gathering
Kempe Center’s Call for Presentations invites global changemakers to help shape the program for A Global Gathering for the Future of Child Welfare. They seek sessions rooted in lived experience, emerging practice, creative expression, and future-focused approaches that expand what’s possible for children, families, and communities. Those testing new models, building innovative partnerships, advancing community-led solutions, or reimagining supportive systems are invited to contribute to this gathering for learning, connection, and co-creation.
A Global Gathering for the Future of Child Welfare brings together people with lived experience, professionals, advocates, researchers, policymakers, community builders, and global partners to shape what comes next for child and family well-being. Through Skill Building Institutes, workshops, strategy sessions, and creative spaces, participants deepen practice, exchange models, and co-create practical, future-focused solutions.
Learn more at www.futureofchildwelfare.org
| | What Is Family Network Building? | | |
NIPFC has released What Is Family Network Building?, which details the Family Network Building (FNB) approach and the shift to strengthening families by creating lasting, supportive networks that help youth thrive beyond system care. Grounded in neuroscience, human development, and justice principles, FNB builds identity-affirming, trauma-informed support systems that promote safety, stability, and lifelong connections for every child and family.
Click here to read: What Is Family Network Building?.
If you didn’t catch it last month, we also encourage you to explore NIPFC's January 2026 blast where we discuss kin-first and family-centered practices and the criticisms surrounding them: NIPFC January 2026 Blast
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