National Adoption Month 2019

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Resources for Professionals

Feeling connected and having a sense of belonging are fundamental human needs. Additionally, being part of a stable and committed family can help young people with foster care experience heal. Thus, it is essential that professionals pursue legal and emotional permanency for every youth on their caseload. Adoption professionals should collaborate with the lawyers involved in a youth’s case to engage the young person in conversations about adoption or guardianship in order to answer questions, address concerns or fears, and incorporate youth voice in recruitment efforts. The following resources provide information for both child welfare and legal professionals about how to engage youth in their own case planning, prepare them for adoption and guardianship, and address barriers to permanency. Resources and information from Children’s Bureau grantees are also provided.