Tells the story of Melissa and her two sons, David and Emilio, following their adoption. This set of digital stories underscores the need for connections, educational supports, and post-adoption services.

Addresses the importance of agency resources, such as caregiver support groups and specialized training, to equip caregivers to work successfully with children and youth who have severe therapeutic needs. This video highlights a therapeutic foster parent's belief that effective advocacy relies on agency resources and training as well as community support.

Tells the story of a family from the perspectives of the father of five children; his mother, who takes on the parenting role for her five grandchildren; and their social worker.

Portrays one family's story from the perspectives of the child’s mother, the grandmother, and the resource parent.

Demonstrates the importance of collaboration and trusting relationships between a grandmother, a resource parent, and a social worker.

Describes the complex nature and special support needs of kinship care. 

Portrays a young woman's story of growing up in foster care, from 5 months through 7 years old, and the difficulties of transitioning back to her family. 

This handout is part of the series, “Perspectives on Normalcy: Videos and Discussion Questions.” It is designed to facilitate discussion about the issues raised in the video, “Young Adult Formerly in Congregate Care: Treat Me Like a Normal Child.”

This handout is part of the series, “Perspectives on Normalcy: Videos and Discussion Questions.” It is designed to facilitate discussion about the issues raised in the video, “Kinship Adoption: You Get a Call, ‘Do You Want These Kids?’”

This handout is part of the series, “Perspectives on Normalcy: Videos and Discussion Questions.” It is designed to facilitate discussion about the issues raised in the video, “Community-Based Provider: Empowering Caregiver Decision-Making.” 

Facilitates discussion about the normalcy issues raised in the Young Adult Formerly in Foster Care: This Is My Family, This Is Where I Call Home video, which is part of the Center for States’ Perspectives on Normalcy: Videos and Discussion Questions product.

Hear about the challenges and experiences of an adoptive family and how they created belonging, healthy development, and normal experiences.

Identify data sources to explore how well your state’s quality assurance system is functioning.

Identify data sources to explore service array and resource development.

Reveals the complexity of family dynamics through the experiences of Shary, a kinship parent caring for her niece, Brianna, and grandson, Random. In the first digital story, Brianna seeks to reconnect the pieces in her family puzzle. The second digital story highlights Random's unflappable resilience despite medical challenges.