1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW)
Too often, permanency preparation with youth begins only once a family has been identified, which may not fully address the unique needs of youth who have experienced significant trauma. Trauma can profoundly affect a youth’s ability to trust and form stable attachments, and years spent in out-of-home care can leave youth “out of practice” in developing healthy interpersonal relationships. Our approach emphasizes the importance of starting permanency preparation early and involving supportive adults who can play a vital role in helping the youth relearn social and emotional skills, such as how to build and maintain relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate family and community dynamics. By focusing on individualized strategies that align with each youth’s cognitive, developmental, and emotional needs, we can tailor the process to build trust, resilience, and ultimately, readiness for permanency. This approach is not just about finding a family for the youth, but about empowering them to enter a stable and loving environment, fully prepared to thrive. Engaging supportive adults throughout this process further strengthens the foundation for long-term success and well-being.
1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW
Kinnect to Family (KTF) program was developed nearly 20 years ago and brought to Ohio where it was implemented by several counties in 2017. The program initiative, process, and values will be discussed. KTF program effectiveness and placement numbers will be highlighted. This workshop will include the Kinnect to Family Specialist along with a relative who accepted placement through the KTF program. The relative will discuss her story of the successful placement and the difference KTF made on her life. KTF is an urgent, diligent family search and engagement program to identify and connect youth with kin, both biological and chosen-who can provide permanency and support. Through innovative tools and best practices, KTF helps ensure that youth remain connected to the people who know and love them.
1.0 CE (National Association of Social Workers – NASW)
This session will introduce professionals to Paths for Families Family Finding program, the only initiative of its kind in the state, built on a powerful public-private partnership that redefines how we engage, reconnect, and advocate for youth in foster care. Participants will gain insight into the program’s history, its measurable success, and the collaborative model that bridges child welfare agencies with community-based services. At the heart of this work is a strength-based approach that prioritizes maintaining and repairing important relationships, even in the face of complex histories and challenging behaviors. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, attendees will explore:
How the program engages relatives and helps them see beyond a child’s behaviors to their underlying needs and strengths
Strategies for rebuilding trust between families and the child welfare system
The role of advocacy and case coordination in supporting sustainable reconnections
The Family Finding process, including tools for identifying and involving extended family and kin networks
An overview of pre and post permanency supports in achieving and maintaining permanency
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.
For families and youth navigating the foster care system, access to consistent, holistic, and community-centered support can be life-changing. This session will explore how the Treehouse Foundation leverages cross-actor collaboration with public agencies, nonprofit partners, educational consultants, and arts organizations to create wrap-around supports that enhance stability, belonging, and opportunity for youth and families. Through partnerships with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, Treehouse provides a supportive environment for youth in foster care and their families. Collaborations with arts organizations have expanded creative, intergenerational programming that strengthens community bonds and nurtures identity. Partnerships with educational consultants ensure families receive no-cost, expert guidance for children with IEPs or school challenges, helping parents navigate complex education systems. In addition, alliances with Cradles to Crayons ensure that children’s basic needs—from clothing to school supplies—are met, while partnerships with Tickets for Kids provide enrichment opportunities that foster joy, connection, and new possibilities
