The Good Stuff - April 15, 2026 | | The Good Stuff in Child Welfare | | |
Welcome to The Good Stuff in Child Welfare!
At the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research, we acknowledge the often heart-wrenching and distressing narratives that dominate the child welfare landscape, leaving us deeply moved and impassioned. However, amidst these challenging stories, there exists a wealth of inspiring achievements and uplifting initiatives occurring nationwide at every level of practice. To highlight and celebrate these positive developments, we are delighted to present this monthly newsletter, dedicated exclusively to showcasing “The Good Stuff” within the expansive field of child welfare.
The Good Stuff This Month:
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This month, we feature stories from Oregon to Florida showing the possibility of positive impact from individuals, communities, organizations, and governments. 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.
| | Oklahoma DHS Launches Youth Advisory Board to Improve Foster Care System | |
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services recently formed a Youth Advisory Board with goals of improving the foster care system by incorporating the voices of those with lived experience. Michael Williams, Child Welfare Director of Oklahoma Services, says that the advisory board will use their personal experience to identify areas of improvement for the foster care system and directly advocate for change to DHS leadership. The board's main objectives include recommending improvements regarding foster homes, placements, and court processes, as well as shaping pathways for young people aging out of foster care. The board hopes to amplify voices and champion the rights of those living within the foster care system everyday.
Link to Full Article
| | Esplanade Pulls Together to Support Foster Kids | | |
Residents of the Esplanade community in Lakewood Ranch, FL collaborated with Comfort Cases nonprofit to support local youth in foster care. The community came together and fundraised over $40,000 to purchase essential items for youth entering foster care. Residents then organized a community event where volunteers assembled backpacks with items such as pajamas, hygiene kits, blankets, books, and more. David Thalberg, public relations director of Comfort Cases stated, “This amazing community came together to raise funds with one goal in mind ... to make sure children entering foster care receive dignity instead of a trash bag.”
Link to Full Article
| | ‘Art of Becoming’: Boise Nonprofit Brings Awareness to Barriers for Youth Aging Out of Foster System | |
A Boise nonprofit, JEMfriends, hosted an event titled The Art of Becoming to raise awareness about the challenges youth face when aging out of Idaho’s foster care system. The event featured framed stories, photographs, and artwork created by young people who experienced the transition to adulthood without family support. Speakers described barriers such as lacking identification, financial resources, or a safety net. Lorivern Saycon, a young adult formerly in foster care, shared her journey from homelessness to earning a college scholarship, crediting JEMfriends for helping her rebuild stability. The event used art to highlight resilience, build community understanding, and rally support for youth aging out of care.
Link to Full Article
| | Let Them Eat Cake: Pine Tree Elementary Students Create Birthday Packages for Youth in Foster Care | | |
Students at Pine Tree ISD Birch Elementary School in East Texas organized a community service project to support youth in foster care by creating “birthday in a box” kits. The initiative was led by school librarian Vanessa Reneau and third-grade math teacher Holly Mayhall, who had personal connections to foster care, from teaching several students involved with the child welfare system to having family members who were adopted. Students and families at Pine Tree donated and assembled the materials together, explaining that their goal was to make youth in foster care feel valued and loved, especially those who may not typically have the opportunity to celebrate. The initiative provided 71 children in foster care with supplies to celebrate their birthdays, including cake mix, a baking pan, decorations, and party essentials, with plans to continue annually.
Link to Full Article
| | Teen Volunteer Makes Big Impact in Foster Care Community | | |
A 16‑year‑old South Florida student, Madison Gaduld, is leading a growing effort to support children and teens in foster care. After learning how many young people enter care due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, she felt compelled to act. Madison founded a school club dedicated to helping youth in foster care, which has now expanded to nearly 100 student volunteers. The group focuses on providing comfort items, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to peers in care. Madison says she was inspired because the kids she helps “reminded [her] of myself,” and she wants them to have the same opportunities she’s had.
Link to Full Article
| | New Oregon Pilot Program Helps Foster Teens Build Life Skills Before Aging Out | |
A new pilot program in Oregon is working to support youth in foster care before they age out of the system. Created through a partnership between the Oregon Department of Human Services and the nonprofit New Narrative, the initiative provides a home in North Portland for 16 and 17-year-olds and helps them transition to independent living. The program provides 24/7 supervision, mental health support, and hands-on life skills training. Youth living in the home learn everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and managing schedules, allowing them to build confidence and independence in a structured environment. By creating a safe space where youth can learn through trial and error, the program aims to improve long-term stability and could serve as a model for broader reform in the state.
Link to Full Article
| | The Field Center team would like to thank the staff and students who brought this newsletter together. Specifically, we recognize our Spring 2026 students Saadhya Bahudodda, Cheri Mitchell, and Jasleen Virk for their contributions in providing readers with this uplifting content. Many thanks to our Associate Director Sarah Wasch for editing and our Administrative Coordinator Amber Davis 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! | | | | |
