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The most recent cohort from the MPLD leadership fellowship program pose for a group picture during their recent graduation celebration in Washington, DC.
The most recent cohort from the MPLD leadership fellowship program pose for a group picture during their recent graduation celebration in Washington, DC.

Lead the way: Applications for MPLD fellowship are open

Consider making 2025 the year you elevate your career and the future of child welfare by participating in MPLD. This prestigious 18-month fellowship is more than just a professional development opportunity. The program offers several avenues for personal and professional growth and a structured path for exploring impactful solutions that tackle real challenges in child welfare.
MPLD graduate Phoenix Santiago poses for a photo with two Health and Human Services representatives to celebrate her graduation from the prestigious leadership fellowship, MPLD.
MPLD graduate Phoenix Santiago poses for a photo with two Health and Human Services representatives to celebrate her graduation from the prestigious leadership fellowship, MPLD.

Planting seeds, growing leaders: MPLD celebrates Cohort Six graduates

Phoenix Santiago didn’t grow up discussing policy, but her time in foster care showed her firsthand its real impact on actual lives. And while that lived experience proved invaluable in her child welfare work, she felt she needed more to make the desired difference in the industry.   “We never talked about data and policy at… Read More »Planting seeds, growing leaders: MPLD celebrates Cohort Six graduates
A teenaged girl and her female caregiver sit on their couch and engage in a meaningful conversation.
A teenaged girl and her female caregiver sit on their couch and engage in a meaningful conversation.

Helping parents build relationships with those in their care

Relationship-building isn’t always instinctive, especially when trauma and loss shape a child’s worldview. When parents and youth struggle to connect, the right guidance can make all the difference. In this blog post, child welfare expert Mary Boo shares actionable strategies to help families embrace trauma-responsive parenting, focus on connection before correction, prioritize cultural competence, and nurture authentic bonds.
Greta Archbold
Greta Archbold

Kinship care: “It’s better for the children and it’s better for the community”

Greta Archbold, who works in the New York City regional office, researched how to better prepare regional office staff to make kinship placements.

Tool for facilitating informed and meaningful conversations with prospective families

This podcast discussion guide is a tool designed to accompany the Navigating Adoption podcast from AdoptUSKids and can be used to facilitate meaningful conversations with prospective families about their foster or adoption journey.
A woman stands next to and smiles with her child in a wheelchair.
A woman stands next to and smiles with her child in a wheelchair.

Ten tips to ensure families know about support services

Children and youth with trauma often require special parenting approaches. Fortunately, there are support services available to help parents navigate their options. Unfortunately, many families do not know about available support services or may be reluctant to access them. We offer strategies to ensure families are both aware of services and understand that needing support is common.

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Our team of experienced child welfare leaders produce publications and webinars, lead training, and consult with states and agencies to help professionals and organizations build their capacity to serve children and families. Learn more.

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