iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to educating, equipping, and empowering those who raise, teach, and support adoptive, foster, and kinship children. We exist to fill critical gaps in education and support—particularly in school and mental health settings—so children can thrive in strong, loving families.

Our work is grounded in trauma-informed, adoption-competent practices and is driven by our belief that every child deserves understanding, belonging, and emotional safety. Through our programs, we:

 

• Provide low- or no-cost training, resources, and materials to public schools, families, and service providers across Illinois.
• Distribute free trauma-informed Connection Kits™ to schools to help educators support students with lived experience in adoption and foster care.
• Lead support groups, workshops, and educational outreach programs designed to reduce stress, build resilience, and increase stability for families and children.
• Collaborate with public agencies, universities, and school systems to promote trauma-informed education and mental health support.
• Meet with our Governing Board, which convenes monthly to provide strategic guidance and oversight of our mission and operations.
• Operate without profit motive—100% of funds raised go toward mission-driven programming that directly benefits children and families.

 

All services are provided without discrimination and are focused on creating long-term, system-level change through education and advocacy.