Many assume that foster care is solely a system of loss, upheaval, and trauma. And while all these factors are ever present and difficult realities, they don’t tell the whole story for each individual or for the system itself. For…
The I Belong Project™ exists to help kids in foster care find permanency, connection, and belonging. Days like this don’t just produce beautiful photos and videos - they create memories, inspire hope, and invite families across Tennessee to say “yes” to foster care and adoption.
In a world where identity and belonging are often intertwined, the journey of transracial adoption presents both unique challenges and powerful opportunities for growth and understanding. In a recent episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, our hosts sat down with…
The Foster Friendly Podcast recently featured an inspiring and powerful conversation with Pam Bauer as part of National Adoption Month. Pam’s a mother of 14 children, 12 of whom were adopted from Russia. Pam has gained lots of insights personally…
Earlier this year the I Belong Project™ traveled to Memphis, TN for a powerful, hope-filled day we won’t soon forget. What unfolded was more than a film shoot — it was a day filled with belonging, dignity, and possibility. Meet 16 kids in need of adoption.
We invite you to attend our Virtual Q&A Panel — a safe, welcoming space to hear real stories from local foster and adoptive parents, child welfare experts and our staff to ask your questions. The goal is to share accurate information and authentic stories. Join us during National Adoption Awareness Month for a special adoption-focused panel. The event is free, RSVP at the link below.
Kelly and Tracie Ward were recent guests on the Foster Friendly Podcast. The Wards are a compassionate and visionary couple deeply committed to fostering and adoption and have opened their hearts and home to numerous children. In the past two years…
A recent episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast featured a lively conversation around America’s Kids Belong’s new and exciting initiative called “Fostering Front Door.” Indiana Kids Belong State Manager, Laura Mobley joined the podcast and shared the vision behind this…
As America’s Kids Belong celebrates its 10th year anniversary, we look back at this post from Co-Founder and Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Brian Mavis. Brian’s encounter with Cindy would become a catalyzing moment that helped inspire the start of…
How Hydration Plays into Behavior I first heard of TBRI® (Trust Based Relational Intervention) about 14 years ago. I remember going to my first conference where I learned about the three principles: connecting, empowering, and correcting. I left that conference…
While adoption from foster care does happen, current statistics show that less than 30% of exits from foster care are due to adoption (AFCARS Report). America’s Kids Belong’s I Belong Project amplifies the stories, faces, and voices of kids in…
When we think about the foster care system, we often focus on the children whose lives are being shaped by the experience and the families opening their hearts and homes. However, there are unseen heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes…
