~“I have a new family. I have colleagues across the country who have the same background as me—personally and professionally—who I can learn from and share ideas with.”
~“I’ve gained confidence. I’ve developed a strong voice. I’ve gained the ability to express my ideas and make suggestions that can create change.”
MPLD is a 12-month program designed for emerging leaders working in the child welfare field. The structured program includes hands-on experience, exposure to national experts, and mentorship opportunities.
Each year, emerging leaders are selected through a competitive process. The program is now in its seventh year. There is no fee to participate.
Program components
- A kick-off celebration and meeting in Washington, DC, that includes three days of intensive skill-building and networking.
- Action research projects that fellows design and implement in their place of work to address issues related to adoption, guardianship, or kinship. Fellows will receive expert, individualized guidance to help them complete their projects.
- Online structured courses in policy, practice, research, and transformational leadership.
- Mentoring from leaders within the fellow’s agency and from program alumni.
- Group and individual coaching that supplements the material being taught in the online courses.
- A graduation ceremony in Washington, DC, where fellows present their action research projects.
- An alumni network that provides long-term career support, resource-sharing, and leadership opportunities with future cohorts.
Who should apply
MPLD is open to people from cultural, ethnic, and racial groups who have historically had a disproportionate number of children in care. The program requires that you have five or more years of experience working in the US child welfare field, as the fellowship is designed for emerging leaders. Candidates should also have a minimum of an undergraduate degree.
Learn about the program criteria and how to apply.
Time commitment
The number of hours that fellows devote to the program will vary by person and by the action research project they select. But in general, we anticipate that fellows will devote an average of 24 hours to the program each month.
There will likely be a greater time commitment during the first and final months of the fellowship due to the kick-off and closing events in Washington, DC.
Learn more!
Subscribe to our newsletter for professionals. We’ll notify you when applications are available for future MPLD cohorts and send you articles about the work of MPLD fellows.
Have questions? Email us: mpld@adoptuskids.org.