C3 - Effective Support Services for Foster and Adoptive Kinship Families

In this session, presenters will share the results of research on effective support services for foster and adoptive kinship families. Adopted, foster, and kinship care families often need specialized support as they raise children who have experienced trauma. Across the country, a number of agencies are providing comprehensive services—including case management, peer support, training, mental health care, and respite care—that help families meet their children’s needs. We will explore themes and commonalties across effective programs, with a particular emphasis on respite programs.

Presenter(s): Diane Martin-Hushman, AdoptUSKids/North American Council on Adoptable Children, St. Paul, MN; Ruth McRoy, AdoptUSKids/ University of Texas at AustinS chool of Social Work, Austin, TX; and Mary Boo, North American Council on Adoptable Children, St. Paul, MN