Foster America

Coming soon! The Aviv Foundation is pleased to once again sponsor the Springboard Prize for Child Welfare in 2025. The Springboard Prize is an open call for exciting, early-stage projects with the potential to improve the lives of children and families impacted by the child welfare system. Four awardees will receive $400,000 each to help launch an early-stage initiative, with the potential for additional capacity-building grants and opportunities to network with like-minded partners. We welcome applicants from a wide range of disciplines, even those outside of child welfare (e.g., educators, technologists, health care professionals). Are you or someone you know interested in this opportunity? If so, please sign up for updates?at springboardprize.org. We look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months!?

Our Fiscal Leadership Circle fellows represent 11 jurisdictions across the country that oversee $4.3B in child welfare funding. Representing a diverse array of backgrounds and experience, these innovative leaders are united by one goal: to find ways to leverage resources that keep families together and thriving, reducing the need for foster care. https://lnkd.in/gGpd42qe

?? This week, we welcome our Fiscal Leadership Circle to Washington, D.C.! The FLC equips and empowers child welfare leaders to find innovative ways to fund programs and services that keep families together and thriving. By reimagining how resources are allocated, we can strengthen family stability and reduce the need for foster care. ?? Check out this video to see how these incredible leaders are transforming the system for children and families nationwide. https://lnkd.in/gUnnQaXS

If the idea of developing tech-based solutions to support children and families excites you, let's connect! This unique fellowship opportunity builds on the success of our Fostering Futures Forum, which we co-hosted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This dynamic event brings together technologists and those who have experienced the child welfare system to explore how technology can be used to lift up children and youth experiencing foster care. https://lnkd.in/gEPke44w

Please join us in welcoming Nolini Deen, our new talent specialist! She is going to be an invaluable asset to the team, bringing her passion and expertise to help us grow!

The Foster America team is mourning the loss of Lola A., our board member and dear friend. Our hearts are with those who are missing her today. https://lnkd.in/gDZU_KDi

At Foster America, we believe those closest to the challenges of the child welfare system hold the most valuable insights – and to truly transform the way our nation serves families, theirs are the perspectives that must guide the work. Please join us in congratulating the fellows of the 2024 National Leadership Circle, a fellowship designed by and for those who have experienced the child welfare system. We are honored to bring these inspiring leaders together! https://lnkd.in/gvBnafU7

With more than a decade of fundraising experience across sectors, Daniel Parr is a tremendous addition to our development and strategic partnerships team! Please join us in welcoming him as the newest member of the Foster America staff.

Too often, families who experience challenges that can put them at risk of child welfare involvement do not receive the support they need until their situations have escalated and they are at risk of being separated. The #FamilyFirstAct introduces opportunities for community pathways that offer families access to local, voluntary services administered by those who know their needs best. Explore our new brief to learn how this approach strengthens families before challenges turn into crises, which keeps children safe and well in their own homes: https://lnkd.in/gcQdUXuM #Prevention #ChildWellbeing

Congrats, Andrew Bridge, on today's release of "The Child Catcher." Andrew recently joined Foster America to talk about the state of foster care and his efforts to change the system he?experienced as a?child. Foster America alumna Connie K Chung, EdD and lived expert Alexander Ballantyne co-hosted an excellent discussion you can find here- https://lnkd.in/ekgDjp7d