This session highlights the unique partnership between a permanency recruiter and investigator as they bring together two very different professional lenses to strengthen permanency outcomes for children and youth. While it is not new to use investigative approaches in family search, Louie offers a distinctive blend of former law enforcement expertise and deep empathy -- skills that both uncover hidden connections and build trust with relatives and fictive kin. Paired with Shannon's extensive background in family engagement, the two demonstrate how complementary perspectives create a "special sauce" that goes beyond traditional recruitment. Through their collaborative process, participants will learn how investigative strategies can enhance kinship and birth family engagement, particularly in navigating complex family dynamics. The presentation illustrates how professionals with different skill sets can learn from one another, step forward at the right moments, and ultimately maximize opportunities to connect children and youth with safe, lasting family relationships.
1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW)
Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI has provided adoption and foster care services for over 50 years. As a provider in over 55 counties a need was identified around initial and ongoing support of Kinship and Like - Kin families. The team did research, surveyed partners, and heard from families to create a service that is specific for Kinship and Like-kin families. Hear about the process, evaluation and development of LSS of WI and Upper MI went through to assure resources for families were available. Data and tools related to kinship screening will be shared with attendees. A family will join the presentation to share their experiences. A key component in this shift of service provision is understanding the Child Welfare Transformational Change Wisconsin has been undergoing to assure families are the focus. Attendees will learn how LSS supported the staff in this shift to better support kin and kin-like families.
