Lloyd Nelson, Digital Media ManagerAuthor Archives: Lloyd Nelson, Digital Media Manager

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Should Gay Couples Be Allowed To Adopt?

Should gay couples be allowed to adopt a child from foster care?

For some in Congress, the answer is no. Two congressional Republicans have introduced the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act, which is aimed as an effort to protect adoption and foster care providers from an “anti-faith bias.”

should gay couples be allowed to adoptBut according to critics, the bill, which was introduced to Congress in late July, is really aimed at nullifying “state-level laws that require child welfare agencies to let gay couples adopt children.” Continue reading →

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National Adoption Day

For some, it’s just another day in November.

national adoption dayBut for others, it’s one of the most important days of their lives, a moment they’ll treasure and think back upon with tears welling up in their eyes. For parents, it’s a day when their families become complete; for children, it’s a day when they finally become part of a loving family.

It’s November 22, National Adoption Day.

Founded in 2000 by a coalition of national partners, National Adoption Day has helped about 50,000 children move from foster care to a forever family.

According to the National Adoption Day Coalition, the number of events grew from 17 in 2001, to 120 in 2003 and to about 400 events in 2011 in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Continue reading →

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Should Siblings Be Placed Together in Foster Care?

should siblings be placed together in foster careWhen a child is removed from her home, there is no one who understands the trauma of parental separation and loss like a sibling. The bonds between brothers and sisters are strong and unique. They can provide security, comfort and strength during what is an unimaginably difficult time.

It’s with this in mind that an emphasis has been placed on placing siblings together in foster care.
Placing siblings together in foster care Continue reading →

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Loss and Grief Training for Foster Parents

Loss and Grief Training for Foster ParentsLoss is an unavoidable part of life, but that fact doesn’t make coping with it any easier. For those involved in foster care, the grief of loss is often associated with the child who was removed from his home.

However, not much thought was given to the loss felt by the foster parents who have watched as the child in their care for years was reunited with his parents. That is, until recently.

Across the country, states now offer different forms of loss and grief training focusing on the loss foster parents feel when a child is removed from their home. While foster parent message boards offer moral support, states have moved towards offering programs to truly help foster parents cope.

That wasn’t always the case. Continue reading →

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Why the Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program Matters

Chafee Education and Training ProgramWhen it comes to financially supporting foster youth in their goal for a college education or job training, the Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV) is paramount.

Named after the late Sen. John Chafee (R-RI), the ETV was enacted in 2001 as part of the re-authorization of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act. The goal was to support former foster youth as they strive to become independent adults. Continue reading →