Building Stronger Foundations for Children
As we kick off 2025, we’re focusing on making systemic change for children in foster, adoptive, and kinship families. These kids often face unique challenges in school—challenges that go beyond the typical struggles many students face. Trauma, instability, and disrupted attachments impact their academic performance and social-emotional development. At iCARE4, we know that love and care are crucial, but these children need more specialized support to truly thrive.
Here’s how we’re working to build stronger foundations for them in 2025.
Here’s how we’re working to build stronger foundations for them in 2025
1. Trauma-Informed Training for Schools
We’re prioritizing trauma-informed training for schools across Illinois in 2025. The NTI Adoption Competency School-Based Mental Health Training helps school professionals understand the unique needs of foster and adoptive children. Social workers, counselors, educators and school staff will gain the tools to recognize trauma, build trust, manage emotional regulation, and partner with families to support students both in school and at home. With this training, we aim to create a network of schools better equipped to help these kids succeed academically and socially.
2. iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits
We’re also distributing iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits to schools across Illinois. School social workers and other mental health professionals need resources just like teachers.These kits are packed with practical resources to help school emotional support staff provide trauma-informed care to foster and adoptive children. The kits include guides for creating inclusive environments, strategies for building trust and communication, and tools for supporting kids dealing with trauma, neglect, and instability. By giving schools the right resources, we’re helping ensure every child feels valued, supported, and is able to thrive.
3. Books About Diverse Families in School Libraries
Representation matters, especially for foster and adoptive children. In 2025, we’re focused on placing books about diverse families—especially foster, adoptive, and kinship families—into school libraries. These books help children see their own experiences reflected in literature, boosting their confidence and sense of identity. They also foster empathy and understanding among classmates, creating a more inclusive school environment for everyone.
4. Scholarships for Future Social Workers
To create lasting change, we must invest in the future of adoption and foster care work force with a scholarship fund for students pursuing social work degrees with a focus on adoption and foster care. These scholarships will help remove financial barriers for individuals passionate about specializing in this field. By supporting the next generation of social workers, we ensure that foster and adoptive children continue to receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Building a Stronger Future Together
We’re committed to making 2025 a year of progress for foster and adoptive children. From training schools to providing resources and scholarships, we’re creating lasting support. Ready to help? Visit iCARE4aaff.org and get involved and donate today. Let’s build a brighter future together!