iCARE4 Adopted And Foster Families

?? Welcome to November – National Adoption Month! ?? This month, we’re celebrating the strength and resilience of adoptive, foster, and kinship families. At iCARE, our goal is to equip educators, social workers, families and community members to support these children, so every child feels valued, understood, and empowered. Throughout November, we’ll share valuable resources, stories, and insights to promote adoption competency and connection. Plus, we’re thrilled to announce our "Bound for Belonging" Book Giveaway—an exciting opportunity for schools to bring more adoption, foster, and kinship resources to their libraries. ???? Join us in creating a community where every child’s story is recognized and celebrated. ??

?? Announcing the Bound For Belonging Book Bundle Giveaway! ???? iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families is thrilled to reward schools committed to NTI (National Training Institute) adoption competency training with a chance to win $200 worth of adoption, foster, and kinship books for their library! Eligibility: Have staff actively participating or have completed NTI training Schedule NTI training for staff during the 2024-2025 school year How to Enter: Submit proof of eligibility by April 30th, 2025, to [email protected]. Schools that meet the criteria will be entered into a drawing the week of Memorial Day, and the winning school will be notified by May 31st. This is a great opportunity to equip your staff with adoption competency and enhance your school library with valuable resources. ???? #BoundForBelonging #AdoptionCompetency #NTITraining #SchoolSupport #FosterCare #KinshipCare #EducationEmpowerment #LibraryGiveaway #iCARE4Families

We believe in your power to make a difference in your children's lives, but we know it can be challenging. Adoptive, foster, and kinship families are often misunderstood, and you deserve the best support from trained professionals and educators! At iCARE4aaff, we simplify the process by connecting you with the top evidence-based training to support children with attachment trauma. Explore training opportunities: https://buff.ly/48dIWOW #Adoption #FosterFamily #FosterCare

We’re excited to announce that Laura and Brenda will be speaking at the IASSW 54th Annual Conference on Thursday, October 17th from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Their presentation, titled "Looking at Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship Children Through a New Lens: What Parents and Families Want You to Know," will provide valuable insights to school social workers from across Illinois. ?? As we explore how to better support these families, we hope to spark new perspectives and foster deeper connections. Let’s work together to create more inclusive, trauma-informed environments in our schools and communities. #Adoption #FosterCare #KinshipCare #TraumaInformedCare #DiversityInEducation #IASSW2024 #TogetherWeThrive

In his New York Times bestseller, The Body Keeps the Score, Dr. van der Kolk reveals how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, affecting our ability to find pleasure, trust, and self-control. He also explores innovative treatments like neurofeedback, meditation, yoga, and more, which tap into the brain’s natural ability to heal. ?? At iCARE4aaff, we believe in healing through relationships. This involves collaboration between school support teams and fostering strong connections with parents and caregivers. Explore more resources for families, caregivers, educators and support professionals navigating adoption, foster care and kinship care: https://buff.ly/4dM2efd

?? World Mental Health Day ?? Let’s shine a light on a critical area: the mental health support for adopted, foster, and kinship children. These young people often carry the weight of unique challenges and traumas, but with the right tools and support, they can heal and thrive. ?????? Schools play a vital role in this process. Trauma-informed environments create safe spaces where children feel valued, understood, and empowered to succeed. Together, we can advocate for policies and resources that ensure every child, no matter their story, has access to the care they deserve. ????? Let’s make mental health a priority for all children. #WorldMentalHealthDay #TraumaInformedCare #MentalHealthMatters #FosterCare #AdoptionSupport #KinshipCare #ChildAdvocacy #StrongerTogether #ThrivingChildren

Laura Adams is a passionate advocate for children and families, with over 30 years of experience working with adoptive families, non-profits, schools, and communities. Laura and her husband Don are proud parents of four daughters, and she draws from personal experience to drive positive change for children with attachment trauma. Learn more about the iCARE4aaff leadership team: https://buff.ly/4eYtiJp

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking at the DeKalb County-Wide Institute Day on October 11th at ‘Shaping the Future: Trends and Insights for Tomorrow.’ My session, “Every Child Has a Story: Supporting Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship Children Through a New Lens,” will dive into the unique challenges these children face and how educators and professionals can best support them. Looking forward to engaging with such a passionate group of leaders dedicated to student success! #InstituteDay #EducationMatters #FosterCare #Adoption #KinshipCare #DeKalbCountyROE

We are on a mission to educate, equip, and empower all those who raise, teach, or support adoptive, foster, and kinship families. ?? ?? VISION Our vision is for thriving children, living in strong and loving families, supported by compassionate, knowledgeable schools, professionals, and policymakers no matter where they live. ?? PURPOSE Our purpose is to serve as an expert, unbiased resource for families, caregivers, educators, and support professionals navigating adoption, foster care, and kinship care. Learn more: https://buff.ly/4duGW5H