The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness, but for foster families, it can also bring forth a complex mix of emotions. Kids in foster care, who have experienced trauma and instability, may find the…
While foster care is a system designed to protect and provide safety for children, there are many layers to the experiences that a child has to process and heal from. Lindy Green Johnson, LCSW, defines it this way…”Trauma in general…
On Wednesday, Oct 11 at 8:30pm America’s Kids Belong hosted a repeat of its first foster parenting info webinar, “What Does It Mean to Engage Foster Care?” This second edition featured a different roster of panelists from around the country.…
Recently America’s Kids Belong hosted a live panel addressing the most pressing needs currently in the foster care system. A variety of panelists joined host, Kristin Allender, Executive Director of TN Kids Belong, on September 26th for this free webinar.…
As a former foster youth who grew up in culturally diverse homes, I want to share with you the importance of embracing diversity when becoming a foster or adoptive parent. I am half Black and half Japanese and grew up…
Feeling like I finally belonged was the best feeling...
We are excited to announce the successful launch on August 15th of our first ever online fostering panel series. People interested in exploring fostering have a new opportunity to gain the insights, inspiration and real-life perspectives as America’s Kids launches…
TN Kids Belong is building Foster Friendly Communities across the state. We’re thankful for Foster Friendly Businesses like Natural Beauty by Donecia who help children feel seen and valued. Donecia specializes in natural hair care and goes into a parent’s…
The time is 3 o’clock on a Friday afternoon. The DCS placement specialist phone number popsup on my caller ID. They ask if we would be willing to keep an emergency placement for theweekend. The child is a 14 year…
I didn’t know May was Foster Care Awareness Month. Before stepping into this role, May was notable for a host of other reasons: Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, my wedding anniversary, the end of school… and apparently fun things like…
FOSTER CARE AWARENESS MONTH AMBASSADOR: Cade Thompson In addition to all the incredible outreach events, informative panels, collaborative summits, and fun activities we have going on throughout Foster Care Awareness Month, we are also THRILLED to announce a partnership with Cade Thompson.…
Being in foster care often means a child is living through a painful story, suspended in time; awaiting uncertain outcomes; dealing with layers of trauma; commonly facing separation from siblings; coping with other layers loss (even if temporarily) of extended…
