Volume XLVII | December 18, 2024 | |
The Good Stuff in Child Welfare | |
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Welcome to The Good Stuff in Child Welfare!
Our team at the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice, & Research recognizes that between the all too frequent and grim child welfare stories that make us teary-eyed, clenched-fisted, and faint-hearted, there are inspiring accomplishments and heartening endeavors taking place all over this country at every level of practice. To elevate and promote these encouraging stories, we are pleased to bring you this monthly newsletter emphasizing news stories only about “The Good Stuff” from the broad field of child welfare. This month, as we celebrate various holidays, we recognize innovative ways to support children, youth, and families. We hope this read gives you a few moments of hopefulness and a sense of possibility.
If there's something you'd like to see here, shoot us an email. Know someone who could use a little Good Stuff in Child Welfare? Send them a copy! We hope you love it as much as we do.
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Former Foster Youth Can Get Guaranteed Admission to Sacramento State Through New Program | |
Starting in Fall 2025, Sacramento State will begin offering guaranteed admission to youth with foster care experience. This entry pathway will be part of the university’s Guardian Scholars Promise Initiative, with admission being offered to students that meet the California State University eligibility requirements. As someone with personal foster care experience himself, University President Luke Wood expressed his commitment to creating a campus environment that promotes increased enrollment and graduation rates among former foster youth. To achieve this, the initiative offers a wide range of services to students, including academic advising, priority on-campus housing, priority registration, and assistance with textbooks.
Link to Full Article
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Thanksgiving Together: Early Thanksgiving Dinner for Current and Former Foster Youth | |
The Thanksgiving Together Dinner, hosted by ACTION Ohio, is a heartfelt annual event that brings together current and former foster youth to celebrate the holiday season. Since its inception in 2007, this tradition has continued to provide a sense of community and connection to those who may not have the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families. Held in various cities across Ohio, including Cincinnati, Columbus, and Akron/Canton, the event fosters a warm and supportive environment for participants. A powerful poem by participant Danny Taylor titled “Food for Thought” encapsulates the emotions and reflections of foster youth during this time of year: “In a time where peace of mind has a price limit//But peace and love have no bounds or limits//We may not be able to give a dollar, but at least give a care//And think about what you would do if you had no one to share.”
Link to Full Article
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Family Impact Team Making a Difference in Macomb | |
Michigan’s Department of Health & Human Services, led by Director Elizabeth Hertel, launched a Family Impact Team (FIT) to help children and families in the child welfare system. Before the program, families often felt that no one listened to them or understood their struggles. Through FIT, families are connected to a family resource specialist who coordinates the resources they need to support family preservation and prevent further involvement with the system. “This partnership is intended to reduce, shorten or remove family’s need for child welfare intervention,” said Shana Bush, a family resource specialist. FIT has already served more than 200 families in 23 counties, and many families have expressed their gratitude for the support it provides.
Link to Full Article
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Family Focused Group Receives Oklahoma County ARPA Grant | |
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The 111Project, an Oklahoma-based child welfare group, recently received a $20,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to enhance its CarePortal for families with foster care involvement. This initiative works in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to connect churches, agencies, and community partners with anonymous requests made by families for help with needs ranging from rental assistance to reunification efforts. According to an agency spokesperson, “There are innumerable success stories through this partnership,” and this grant will provide the organization with the resources necessary to further develop its significant impact.
Link to Full Article
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Bringing Holiday Cheer to Foster Youth: A Look at Oklahoma’s Holiday Hope Program | |
As the holiday season approaches, youth in foster care in Oklahoma will participate in a new initiative called Holiday Hope. With nearly 6,000 children in foster care and financial strain on foster families, many struggle to make ends meet. Addressing this, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), led by CEO Joe Dorman, is bringing holiday hope to these families by providing gift cards to foster families, ensuring every child in their care gets a special, personalized gift this season. Community donations and partnerships are making it possible to offer support and bring joy, helping create a brighter, safer holiday for children in foster care.
Link to Full Article
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FAU’s Safety Net for Homeless and Former Foster Care Youth Students | |
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At Florida Atlantic University, students with experience in foster care or homelessness benefit from vital resources, including tuition waivers. FAU’s Educate Tomorrow program provides grants for housing and other support services including case management and referrals to community agencies. Alumnus Matthew Patterson’s journey showcases the transformative impact of these resources. After overcoming homelessness, addiction, and personal struggles, Patterson returned to college, earned multiple degrees, and is now pursuing a doctorate. He also empowers foster and homeless youth as a board member of Champions Empowering Champions, a nonprofit that provides mentorship and guidance to students navigating college challenges. With mentorship, tuition waivers, and compassionate resources, FAU and Champions Empowering Champions are transforming lives, fostering resilience, and helping students achieve their academic dreams.
Link to Full Article
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The Field Center team would like to thank the staff and students who brought this newsletter together. Specifically, we recognize our Fall 2024 students Hannah Bennett, Kate Greco, and Sabrina Vargas for their contributions in providing readers with this uplifting content. Many thanks to our Associate Director Sarah Wasch for editing and our Administrative Coordinator Felicia Saunders for handling design and distribution. Special thanks to our Managing Faculty Director, Dr. Johanna Greeson for her idea to curate the “good news stories” happening in child welfare! | | | | |
