Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Informational”
Peace Can Seem Hard to Come By Parenting is rarely peaceful. Most of the time it is chaos: overlapping schedules, special needs, work pressure, constant demands and meltdowns (by children and parents). Parents long to find control in the chaos. Parents can find the calmness they seek by developing systems and thinking through success strategies. Build Simple Family Systems Reducing …
The Need for Community The adoption, kinship care, and foster care journey is a mix of joy, challenge, growth, and uncertainty. While every family’s story is unique, one thing remains true: no one should walk this journey alone. For families considering foster care, navigating the adoption process, or parenting a child from a hard place, having a community that understands …
In-Step with Kinship Families Kentucky has one of the highest rates of kinship care in the country. Some estimate that 55,000 children are being raised by relatives or friends. Other estimates put the number at over 90,000 kids living with someone other than their birth parents. These caregivers are grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and family friends who step in to …
What is Life Coaching? Life coaching is more than mentorship; it’s a relationship. It’s not about fixing someone’s life; it’s being present in it. At its core, life coaching is about walking alongside a young person as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. For youth with foster care, kinship care, or adoption experience, this kind of relationship can be life …
What does it mean to be a ‘spotter’ for foster youth? Spotters are used by weightlifters to encourage them and protect them as they grow stronger. They stand beside the athlete and assist, if and when, necessary. In life, we all need “spotters” from time to time. Think about it – when someone stands by your side through the difficult …
Intervention is Key for Struggling Families Families don’t struggle because they don’t care. Most struggle because they were never given what they needed in the first place. In Kentucky, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services utilizes an approach called Alternative Response, which focuses on supporting families early—before challenges escalate into crises. This model is proving effective because it …
Beyond Applause When we think about celebrating foster and adoptive families, we often picture a moment at the front of a room: special Sundays, a name called, a few kind words spoken, hands clapping in appreciation. Those moments matter. Public recognition can be encouraging and affirming. Celebrating is easy when all we have to do is applaud or recognize obvious …
In no particular order 🙂 here are 26 ways you can get involved with Orphan Care Alliance in 2026: 1. Become a Life Coach: Mentor a youth (12+) with foster care or adoption experience for about an hour a week, helping them build life skills and healthy relationships. 2. Life Coach Events: Teach a class or life skill and/or host …
Five Ways to Help Children Feel Belonging This Holiday Season. The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” For many foster and adoptive families, however, this season can carry mixed emotions. While the rest of the world gears up for cozy traditions and picture-perfect gatherings, children who have walked through loss and instability may find …
