International Adoptee Experience Report – April 2025

Prepared for Distribution to iCARE Members Overview This report summarizes the findings of a recent survey of international adoptees, with a primary focus on individuals adopted from China. The data reflects responses from 27 participants, all of whom were adopted internationally. The aim of the survey was to better understand adoptee perspectives on their experiences […]

Assembly Day June 21

Assembly Day June 21, 2025 We’re assembling something BIG—and we need your hands and your heart! Please join us for our June iCARE4 Schools Connection Kit™ Assembly Day! If you care about education, mental health, and strengthening families, this is your chance to be part of something meaningful, fun, and deeply impactful. 📅 When: Saturday, […]

The Power of Art and Play in Supporting Connection and Healing

Art and play are vital tools for supporting children who have experienced trauma, providing a safe space for expression and healing. Through open-ended art, children can explore their emotions without fear of judgment, while play allows them to process complex experiences and build resilience. When adults create a supportive, attuned environment, these creative outlets foster connection, emotional awareness, and a sense of safety, helping children heal and grow.

Hope and Attachment

As an adoptive mother and educator, I’ve learned that children don’t just need love—they need hope. Hope, like attachment, can be built through connection, structure, and meaningful conversations. By measuring and fostering hope, we help children rebuild trust, confidence, and a sense of safety, planting the seeds for a brighter future.

Adopt a Peep Project

The day after my son’s 9th birthday, he brought home a small ‘peep’ from his class as part of the Adopt a Peep Project. Intended to teach responsibility, the assignment became an emotional reminder of his adoption journey. For many adoptive families, such projects can unintentionally highlight feelings of displacement and abandonment. While the project was well-meaning, it lacked the sensitivity needed to address the deep complexities of adoption. This experience underscored the importance of fostering awareness and empathy in educational settings to ensure all children feel safe, understood, and truly connected.

Jocelyn Fetting

As someone who grew up in care, I knew firsthand how much school can mean to a young person searching for stability. My little sister has been in care for the last ten years. With multiple placement changes, school is supposed to be a safe haven– a place where she can breathe, be seen, and […]

Legislative Update April 2025

A 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 the Healing Centered Task […]

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 giving when you feel you […]