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'You're not alone': New Summit court program helps parents reunite with children

Stephanie Warsmith

November 29, 2021 |

Akron Beacon Journal |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Akron, Ohio

Summit County, Ohio's juvenile court's Multidisciplinary Team Representation assigns a parent advocate and social worker to child-custody cases to help parents reunite with their children much more quickly than the system typically processes cases. The program has just begun in the county, helping a handful of families reunite, but a study in New York City showed the same approach reunited families 43% more often than if just an attorney were helping the family. Parents whose troubles lead to the temporary loss of their children need supports that help them get on firmer ground.

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Treatment foster care model shows promising results

Libby Dowsett

November 10, 2021 |

Street Roots |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Oregon

A treatment model is showing success in reuniting foster children with their biological families. The method involves an emphasis on structure, routines, and the power of positive reinforcement to prepare kids for reunification.

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Frequent moves for Georgia foster youth prompt changes

Libby Dowsett

November 03, 2021 |

Street Roots |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Georgia

In Georgia, child-welfare officials considering moving a child in foster care from one caregiver to another must delay the move for 14 days. During that pause, a group of involved officials and foster parents hold a video call to explore alternatives to moving the child. Such moves can inflict trauma without solving the underlying problems. Now, moves can't be made hastily on the say-so of just a caregiver and case worker. Data on the effects of the policy are still being collected, but participants generally give it good marks and the state's "placement stability" numbers have improved.

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A pilot program in Iowa produces encouraging results for foster kids

Libby Dowsett

October 27, 2021 |

Street Roots |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Iowa

By putting a priority on rescuing children from danger in their homes by reducing the danger or placing the children in relatives' care, Iowa courts have greatly reduced the traumatizing use of emergency foster care placements with strangers. The program, which began with seven judges and has since spread statewide, starts with a simple list of questions that judges or social workers ask to identify specific solutions to problems other than the default mechanism of sending children to live in foster care, which can make their emotional problems worse.

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Iowa foster care system changes prove positive and effective

Libby Dowsett

October 20, 2021 |

Street Roots |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Iowa

Iowa in 2017 imposed new rules for the agencies that run group homes for children in foster care. The rules have greatly reduced the frequency with which children are moved from place to place far from their families, a common practice that can deepen the trauma they suffer. By paying differently for such care, the state reduced the incentive agencies had to keep their facilities full. Instead, they're working more closely with families to heal them and get children back to a healthier home life.

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Youth Aging Out of Foster Care Find Support in Montrose

Laura Palmisano

October 07, 2021 |

Mountain Grown Community Radio (KVNF) |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Montrose, Colorado

CASA serves children and families who have experienced abuse and neglect. The nonprofit owns an 8-unit residence for youth 18-24 who have aged out of the foster care system or are at risk for becoming homeless. The home provides a safe and supportive option where youth can transition to adulthood and have access to help navigating systems, like education and employment. The organization has begun to provide mental health care services as well, with two therapists on staff. The rent is subsidized by the government, which makes it a more affordable option, and additional residences are being planned.

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As CMSD returns to virtual school, Project ACT ensures the needs of homeless students are met

Sydney Kornegay

September 15, 2021 |

FreshWater Cleveland |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Cleveland, Ohio

Project ACT provides support services to 1,000 Cleveland public school students experiencing homelessness or living with guardians other than their parents. Students are set up with a life skills coach who provides emotional and academic support to cope with traumatic life experiences. To ensure stability during COVID-19, Project ACT distributed hotspots and Chromebooks to all 1,000 children they work with. Life coach sessions transitioned to Zoom, where weekly online tutoring sessions were also hosted. Students could also receive gift cards, enrichment packets, school supplies, and hygiene items if needed.

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Making the grade: B.C. tuition waiver program made education possible for hundreds of young people

Tracy Sherlock

September 14, 2021 |

Education Matters British Columbia |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Canada, British Columbia

The British Columbia government waives tuition at public universities for undergraduate students who grew up in foster care, a measure that takes aim at the disadvantages young people face after aging out of the child welfare system. Former foster children, who in British Columbia are disproportionately of Indigenous heritage, average lower high school graduation rates and have above-average problems with income, housing, and work after childhoods that often feature multiple moves. About 1,700 young people have received tuition-free educations since 2017.

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A tall order

Marty Logan

August 28, 2021 |

Nepali Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Nepal, Kathmandu

The Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Program and Nutrition Rehabilitation Home in Kathmandu provide resources to children experiencing, or at risk for, malnutrition, which has long been a life-threatening issue in Nepal.

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Lummi Nation Creates a Community to Support Families

Elizabeth Amon

July 21, 2021 |

The Imprint |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Ferndale, Washington

The Lummi Tribal council created Sche'lang'en Village to provide a supportive community for Native families that have been torn apart by the foster system, drugs, or domestic violence. The more than 30 families accepted to the low-cost housing project receive a host of services to help them recover and build better futures. A disproportionate number of Native children are taken from their families into foster care, which damages not only families but the Native culture.

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