Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO)

If you are engaged in research (or know students doing research!) on childhood or family vulnerability, please consider this opportunity from the CAFO Research Center to present your work to leaders in the field at CAFO2025 Summit in Houston.

"Upstream thinking is essential to address any crisis effectively. But this metaphor can also be dangerously nearsighted. Ultimately, the best efforts require a "wide vision and narrow focus." That includes taking into account the whole watershed, from the headwaters of culture all the way down to the future impacts of the present crisis. But we need not be overwhelmed. Rather, even as we see the big picture, we're freed to give our primary focus to the small part where we can make the biggest difference." - Jedd Medefind, CAFO President Read Jedd's full article from NATIONAL AFFAIRS here: https://lnkd.in/g9hV54tv

Congratulations to Dr. Nicole Wilke and Dr. Amanda Howard with the CAFO Research Center, together with Dr. Getrude Dadirai Gwenzi and Trent Taylor, for the achievement of a Top Cited Paper in the journal of Child & Family Social Work! This research paper examined the roles of attachment, avoidance and anxiety in relation to mental and physical health and life satisfaction among adults who were separated from parental care in childhood. Highlights from the study are shared in the linked infographic - take a look for more details on this top-cited study! https://lnkd.in/eG29YUaV

Raquel Najera shares that as we journey on the path of becoming, we can find true joy as we trust God and watch His faithfulness at work in our lives and the lives of those around us. She reminds us that we can enjoy this process and delight in what God is doing. Watch this encouraging message from Raquel Najera from CAFO2024 in Nashville, Tenn. https://lnkd.in/e3_czskB

CAFO Research Study: Soul Care in Child Welfare Workers and Leaders - MARCH 21 DEADLINE! We are seeking 100 additional participants for a research study exploring soul care practices among those working in child welfare. Who should take the study? Christian leaders and staff members serving vulnerable children and families - social workers, nonprofit and ministry staff, residential and alternative care program leaders, child welfare professionals, and others providing care and services for vulnerable children. Take the Soul Care Research Survey today and share with others who would be a good fit! The survey is available in both English and Spanish. https://lnkd.in/g2pP2Tuh

Many children who experience separation from parental care face significant childhood adversity, which is frequently associated with lower life satisfaction in adulthood.?Previous research tells us that individuals with higher levels of resilience often experience better outcomes in adulthood and that protective factors are key ingredients for building higher levels of resilience. But how do these protective factors - such as education, healthy relationships, faith, skill-building and more - help to buffer the impact of childhood adversity and improve life satisfaction in adulthood? A recent study by the CAFO Research Center explored this question and discovered key insights on the ways that protective factors interact and improve life satisfaction despite difficult childhood experiences. Explore the highlights of the study findings here and view the full infographic here: https://lnkd.in/eBVc4CEh

“We don’t become as passive recipients standing by the wayside. We become as actively engaged partners with the King.” In this powerful keynote, Dr. Curt Thompson explores the work of becoming—how transformation requires our participation alongside God, just as a child learns to walk under a watchful parent’s care. Watch part two now, and catch the full conversation on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/e-XGw_Qu

** ONE WEEK LEFT TO PARTICIPATE!! ** We are still seeking 100 participants for a research study exploring soul care practices to determine what fills and sustains leaders in child welfare ministries. We're specifically seeking: -- social workers -- nonprofit staff -- residential and alternative care program leaders -- child welfare professionals --and anyone else providing care and services for vulnerable children. Survey takes approx. 20 minutes. Please consider taking the time to participate and share! Direct Link to Survey Here: https://lnkd.in/g2pP2Tuh

Forgiveness is something we can grow into, a habit we can cultivate in ourselves and teach our children. If we hope to live a life of love and flourishing – we need to learn to forgive. These five steps toward forgiveness (from the REACH model) are well-researched and proven effective for people who have experienced significant relational pain. Explore these 5 steps and read more about the practical steps to forgiveness for foster/adoptive families in this week's post by Rachel Medefind?at cafo.org/blog.

Do you get to preach or teach on God's heart for the vulnerable to your church, small group or other circles? Being entrusted with the gospel in this way is a special privilege and responsibility. That's why our very own Jason Johnson is hosting an exclusive, CAFO members-only opportunity for you to connect with other preachers and teachers and dive into strategies for effectively communicating God's heart and inspiring your audience to action. Spots are limited, so sign up today for the Preaching + Teaching Cohort on Mar. 19 at 12pm EST! https://lnkd.in/eUgSYk_e