Every student is unique, and for those from foster, adoptive, and kinship families, school life can come with extra challenges—trauma, loss, and instability. But with the right support, these kids can shine.

Enter iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits, designed to help school social workers, counselors, mental health professionals, and all staff who support vulnerable students. These kits are packed with fun, trauma-informed tools that make creating a supportive and inclusive environment easier and more effective.

Did you know that in Illinois, 15% of students come from foster, adoptive, or kinship families? Many of these students face emotional hurdles that can affect everything from grades to friendships. While school staff often spot these struggles first, they don’t always have the right resources to help.

That’s where the iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits come in—packed with practical resources to equip school professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to make a lasting impact. It’s all about helping kids thrive by bringing fun, connection, and understanding into the classroom!

What’s Inside the iCARE4 Schools Connection Kit?

The iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits aren’t just a collection of materials—they’re a practical, hands-on resource for school staff, filled with tools that are easy to implement and immediately useful. Inside each kit, you’ll find:

• Educational Resources: Clear, concise guides on trauma-informed care, strategies for addressing attachment issues, and tips for fostering an inclusive classroom environment..

• Tools: Social-emotional learning (SEL) materials, stress-reduction activities, and resources designed to help students feel a sense of belonging—something that many children from foster and adoptive backgrounds desperately need. 

• Professional Support: Information about NTI adoption-competency training programs, as well as access to iCARE4’s network of resources to support educators and mental health professionals in their work.

By providing these resources, the kits aim to support both school staff and students in ways that will help foster healthier, more successful school experiences for all involved.

A Long-Term Impact on Students and Schools

The iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits are more than just a quick fix—they’re about building lasting change. When school staff are equipped with the right tools, they’re better able to address the root causes of behavioral challenges, improve academic outcomes, and reduce disruptions in the classroom. But the benefits don’t stop there. With trauma-informed practices, schools can create a more positive, supportive environment for all students.

The iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits are a simple, yet powerful tool to help schools support their most vulnerable students and ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

To learn more about how you can receive the iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits or to get involved in supporting this initiative, visit icare4aaff.org/connection-kit or contact iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families today.