- Legislative Update April 2025A Month of Inspiration and Collaboration!This past month, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a full-day meeting with some of the leading experts in child welfare and mental health, including Dr. Dana Weiner, Dr. Verletta Saxon, and the team from the National Center for Adoption Competency as part of… Read more: Legislative Update April 2025
- Raising an Adoptive or Foster Child
Navigating the complexities of adoption, foster care, and kinship can feel like managing seven layers of stress at once. From feelings of rejection and shame to the challenges of forming secure attachments, the emotional landscape for adopted children is uniquely layered. Understanding these core issues is crucial for caregivers and educators alike. As children grow through each developmental stage, the impact of trauma can shape their identities and relationships. Discover how we can transform stress into strength and support these children on their journey to healing and empowerment. Join us in exploring this vital topic! - The Hidden Stress of Adoption, Foster Care, and Kinship
When children experience adoption, foster care, or kinship placement, their stress often runs deeper than meets the eye. Beneath the surface, past trauma and disrupted attachments can leave lasting imprints on a child’s brain and emotional well-being. Understanding these hidden stressors is the first step in helping kids move from survival mode to a place of safety and healing. - A Love Note to Caregivers
A Love Note to Caregivers Bless you, who show up not because it’s easy, but because of love. Because you know that love is worth the cost. I see you trying to balance the impossible: being presentbeing patientbeing enough for everyone. It’s love that stretches you beyond your limits. It’s… Read more: A Love Note to Caregivers - The Urgent Need for Collaboration: Public Safety Officers and Families in Supporting Foster, Adopted, and Kinship Children
Children in foster, adoptive, and kinship care need strong, consistent, and supportive relationships—especially with their caregivers. When public safety officers or school professionals serve as a child’s primary source of comfort in a crisis, it’s important to be mindful that family bonds remain intact. 🤝 The solution? Collaboration and Training. By working together, public safety officers, educators, and caregivers can ensure that professional support strengthens family connections, helping children feel secure at home, at school, and in their communities.
Self-Love and Self-Care for Parents
Parenting in foster and adoptive roles is deeply rewarding but also uniquely challenging. To truly show up for your children, it’s essential to prioritize your own well-being. Burnout is real, but by nurturing yourself, you strengthen your ability to nurture others.
Discover practical tips to care for yourself, including building a strong support system, celebrating small wins, and carving out time for relaxation and joy. Remember, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Explore how focusing on your well-being can help you stay resilient and make a lasting impact on your family.
Read more for insights, support group recommendations, and self-care strategies.
Love is a Legislative Roundtable
On January 16, 2025, advocates, educators, and policymakers united in a shared mission: improving support for Illinois’ foster, adoptive, and kinship children in schools. The roundtable highlighted the urgent need for trauma-informed practices and targeted mental health training for school staff, with compelling data underscoring the life-changing impact these efforts could have.
Programs like the School-Based Adoption Competency Training and iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits exemplify the innovative steps being taken to close gaps in support. With the power of community collaboration and actionable solutions, this initiative aims to transform schools into havens of growth and healing for every child.
Join the movement—reach out to learn how you can help foster change in your community.
Filling Your Cup First
Parenting in foster and adoptive roles is both rewarding and challenging, often requiring parents to navigate big emotions and behaviors stemming from childhood trauma. Burnout is real, but prioritizing self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Building a support system, celebrating small wins, and finding time for joy and relaxation are critical to maintaining your well-being. By nurturing yourself, you’ll be better equipped to nurture your children and create a thriving family dynamic.
Decoding ‘I Hate You’
When your teen says, “I hate you,” it stings—especially if you’re parenting an adopted or foster child. But these words often reflect their internal struggles, not their feelings toward you. Teens grappling with trauma or identity questions may express anger toward the safest person in their life: you. By staying calm, reframing their outbursts as cries for help, and offering consistent support, you can guide them through these tough emotions. Remember, their words aren’t about rejection—they’re about navigating big feelings. Your love and patience are more important than ever.
January 2025 Legislative Spotlight
State Senator Laura Fine – 9th District
As the Senator in the 9th District, I serve as the Chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health committee and Vice-Chair of the Insurance committee. Supporting residents with mental health and health care needs has been my longstanding priority, and my work reflects a focus on facilitating access to quality care, ensuring the state’s insurance marketplace reflects the needs of Illinoisans, reducing barriers for mental health services and addressing workforce shortages.
