By Cortney Jordan, MA, LGPC & Jane Burdette, MA, MFT,

Educational and Training Implementation Specialists

Every student deserves to walk into a school where they feel understood, supported, and safe. For those who carry weight from trauma such as students experiencing foster care, kinship care, and adoption, this kind of school culture can be life-altering. Educators are eager to help, yet they may not always have access to professional development that speaks directly to the unique challenges of this population. This is why the School-Based Mental Health Professionals training is so vital. Offered at no cost, this training equips school-based mental health professionals with the tools, strategies and resources to support students experiencing adoption, foster care, or kinship placements.

By Lauren Lynch, C.A.S.E. Training Coordinator & Adoptive Mom

Preparing children for back-to-school transitions by setting clear expectations at home, familiarizing them with school routines, connecting with teachers, and openly addressing adoption-related needs can ease anxiety, build confidence, and help them feel supported during this important adjustment period.

By Tony Hynes, Ph.D., Training and Content Development Specialist

As an interracial adoptee, there were things that I wished my parents had when I was growing up. Among them was a window into how to support me at school. With that in mind, I have created a tip list for interracial adoptive parents. While not exhaustive, the list contains some tips for parents that I hope can be helpful as families approach the school year (for parents of kids of all ages).

By Rachel Shifaraw, C.A.S.E. Creative Content Specialist & Adult Adoptee

Like most moms, I start organizing my kids’ stuff for the upcoming school year each summer. Having four kids sounded like a brilliant idea…until I had to purchase school supplies for all four said kids. But here I sit, every August, carefully putting together pencil pouches and labeling all the notebooks and binders we spent WAY too much money on at Staples.

I typically feel flustered getting my kids back to school. I’m stressfully making piles and packing backpacks for the very first time after months of school-less freedom. I scramble around, searching for schedules and loading everyone up to get to their respective “open houses” —their first chance to see their new classrooms and more importantly, meet their new teachers.

The New School Blues: Navigating Transitions & Change

By Catey Yost, Adult Adoptee & C.A.S.E. Emerging Leader

Navigating school transitions can feel overwhelming—especially for adoptees balancing questions of identity and belonging. Early school years may feel familiar and safe, but middle and high school bring new challenges: deciding what to share, building trust with new adults, and forming fresh friendships. With proactive support and intentional preparation, young people gain confidence, independence, and agency. Most importantly, every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and accepted for who they are—both in school and beyond.

Be the Change: How School Leaders Can Support Students in Foster Care, Adoption, and Kinship Placement

By Cortney Jordan, MA, LGPC & Jane Burdette, MA, MFT, Educational and Training Implementation Specialists for The National School Boards Association's (NSBA) American School Board Journal

Why do schools need strong advocates in their corner? Strong advocates orchestrate the vital changes necessary for a thriving educational environment. These advocates delve into the challenges schools face, from funding disparities to the inequities of mental health services. By raising awareness about these issues, they help ensure that vital resources and opportunities transcend the barriers that might otherwise leave students behind. Advocates amplify the voices and push policymakers to act. Advocacy in schools is not just important; it is essential for an equitable future. In the United States, 5 million children are in the foster care and kinship care system, and 70% are of school age. These students often face significant barriers, such as frequent school changes, delayed enrollments, and higher absenteeism rates, which can affect their academic progress and social-emotional development. Stakeholders such as school board members can play a crucial role in supporting training for this population. Leadership and support can help ensure that educators have the tools, knowledge, and resources to support historically disadvantaged students in these situations. 

Fostering Support

By Cortney Jordan, MA, LGPC & Jane Burdette, MA, MFT, Educational and Training Implementation Specialists for The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) School Counselor Magazine

This school year, as every year, we see students experiencing adoption, foster or kinship care face unique challenges that can significantly affect their education and overall well-being. In the United States, this affects almost 5 million children, with 70% being school-aged. These students often face significant barriers, such as frequent school changes, delayed enrollments and higher absenteeism rates, which can affect their academic progress and social/emotional development. Educators and schools play a critical role in supporting students to overcome these challenges and achieve academic success.

Note this article's unrestricted access is available with ASCA School Counselor Magazine membership.

By Lauren Lynch, C.A.S.E. Training Coordinator & Adoptive Mom

September marks Grandparents Day, a time to recognize the love, wisdom, and stability grandparents bring to families everywhere. For adoptive families in particular, grandparents can play an especially meaningful role—providing reassurance, perspective, and unconditional acceptance that helps children feel truly anchored. This month, we pause to celebrate and honor grandparents for the unique way they strengthen bonds, nurture belonging, and remind children that they are deeply loved members of their family.

By Carol J. Bishop, LMFT

September is Kinship Care Month. It is a time to honor the many grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, other family members, and close family friends who have stepped up to raise kin children whose parents cannot care for them.

Join us for the 28th Annual Kids' Adoption Network (KAN) Conference- Activate Your Inner Compass: Finding Your Quiet Power on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9:00am-4:30pm at the McLean School (8224 Lochinver Lane, Potomac, MD 20854).

The Kids' Adoption Network (KAN) Conference is a full day of fun and learning that includes lunch and engaging activities for children, teens, parents, caregivers, and prospective adoptive parents. Plus, there are opportunities to connect with other adoptees and adoptive families!

Parents participate in insightful workshops led by adoption experts. Kids explore and learn through workshops designed by our highly trained adoption-competent therapists in groups by grade, with teens (9th-12th grade) together in one group.

The day ends with carnival games and prizes. Keep an eye out for registration opening Thursday, September 18, 2025!

Strategies for Supporting Teens

With Social Skills and Emotional Regulation

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm EST

Extended Access Available September 18-October 18, 2025

Cost: $15*

Adolescence is a time of great change for teens and many adjustments for families. Teens experience curiosity, joy, angst, sadness, anger, and confusion, often with equal intensity and all in the midst of noted physical changes. It is also a time where social relationships, and the social skills needed to maintain them, are of utmost importance. This live, interactive webinar will focus on caring for, and parenting, young people through adolescence. We will highlight ways to support teens in building healthy social relationships and avoid common pitfalls in friendships. We will also tackle the giant topic of emotional regulation. Participants will leave with concrete tips for helping your teen recognize and cope with big feelings in healthy and adaptive ways.

Presented by Dr. Laura Anderson, Founder, Common Chord Psychology.

*Free registration is now full. Paid registration is still available.

Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 | 7:00-8:30pm EST

Cost: $20*

This webinar will discuss building a mindset and resilience framework through a strengths-based, reflective approach supporting the adoption journey, designed for adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, and professionals alike.



Through a three-step framework, participants will explore how to:

• Shift Limiting Beliefs
• Build Resilience
• Take purposeful next steps in their personal or professional lives

*No CEUs will be provided for this event. Certificates of Attendance will be available.

By Ashley Garcia-Rivera, Policy Advisor

Senate Caucus on Foster Youth Briefing: Transitions to Adulthood

The Senate Caucus on Foster Youth recently hosted a policy briefing focused on the transition to adulthood for older youth in foster care. The discussion examined the effectiveness, reach, and challenges of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (“Chafee funds”) and highlighted state-level strategies to better support youth as they transition out of care.

The Adoption Tax Credit — Now Refundable:

A Victory for Families and Children

In June, we shared that the Adoption Tax Credit (ATC) Refundability Act was making historic progress after more than a decade of advocacy.

Today, I’m proud to share that this long-awaited breakthrough is no longer just within reach — it’s now the law.

The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act has officially passed both the House and Senate and has been signed into law. Starting in 2025, adoptive families will be able to claim up to $5,000 per child as a refundable credit, bringing long-overdue relief to those most in need.

Every number in our 2024 Donor Impact Report represents a life transformed, a family strengthened, and a future made brighter — all because of our generous community.

Thanks to your support, 2024 was a year of meaningful growth at C.A.S.E. We served more families than ever and expanded access to adoption-competent mental health care through programs like NTI-Ed and The C.A.S.E. Academy, while growing our national footprint as a leader in the mental health and adoption, foster, and kinship care space.



From the entire C.A.S.E. team and the families we serve, thank you for believing in our mission and for being a vital part of this journey. Together, we are building a world where every child connected to adoption, foster, and kinship care can thrive!

Voice for Adoption is Hiring an Executive Director

Voice for Adoption (VFA) is a bipartisan membership-based nonprofit that advocates, educates, and collaborates to advance federal policies that promote and sustain permanence for children and youth in foster care. VFA is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the agency's strategic vision and day-to-day operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence national policy, engage with stakeholders and represent a passionate coalition of member agencies committed to improving outcomes for children and families.

Position Details and Requirements:

• The candidate must have 5-10 years of experience in federal or state policy, government relations
• Capitol Hill experience preferred
• Exceptional advocacy and relationship building skills
• Salary range is from $75,000-$85,000, annually for .75 FTE position

Go to voice-for-adoption.org for the full job announcement. Cover letters and resumes should be sent to Jobs@voice-for-adoption.org with the subject line: "VFA Executive Director Application."