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 Force.

It was truly moving to see the powerful collaboration happening across private, public, and government sectors, all working together to address the needs of children navigating family transitions. Our discussions centered around promoting Healing Centered Connections statewide, with a focus on NTI training to ensure a shared language and understanding for trauma-informed support grounded in best practices.

We’re so excited to be a part of this important movement through iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families. Our work in schools to connect them to the School-Based Mental Health Professional Training and to supply iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits is helping ensure that all children—especially those in families going through transitions—have the support they need to heal and thrive.

This healing centered initiative is a game-change for all Illinois children. The NTI training and our Connection Kit resources address the grief and loss not only of adopted, foster and kinship children, but those affected by displacement due to divorce, immigration, natural disasters, and epidemics. The emphasis on empathy, understanding, and a focus on well-becoming is exactly what our children need.

Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of these vulnerable kids, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we’ll achieve as we continue to collaborate with so many dedicated professionals.