Concurrent Planning for Timely Permanence
Health-Care Coverage for Children and Youth in Foster Care—and After
NAA Summer 2026 Article Series • Spotlight on Post-Permanency Support
NAA Summer 2026 Article Series • Spotlight on Post-Permanency Support
This summer, NAA is highlighting programs and providers across the country that are doing exceptional work to support
children and families after adoption and guardianship. Each article features real voices from these programs—quick,
practical reads designed for busy professionals and advocates.
NAAA.pdfhttps://njarch.org/wpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/NAAA.pdf
NAA Summer 2026 Article Series • Spotlight on Post-Permanency Support
Large-scale federal foster care legislation unanimously passes the House
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal foster care legislation that includes a bill co-authored by Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) is headed to the Senate.
The house unanimously passed the “Fostering the Future Act.” The bi-partisan legislation includes six distinct bills that would create and expand resources for children in foster care.
One bill in it was co-authored by Rep. Yakym (R-IN) and Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL). The “Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act” would improve access to home visiting services for foster youth who are either expecting or parenting. It would also open up more federal funds to provide specialized case management to these groups of foster youth.
Large-scale federal foster care legislation unanimously passes the House
DCP&P Waiting Children
DCP&P Waiting Children
Scarlet: March 2012
Scarlet is a personable and considerate young lady with a vibrant spirit. She describes herself as funny, kind, and affectionate. She has interest in fashion, shopping, baking, and learning how to swim. Scarlet also enjoys a wide range of music, which reflects her eclectic taste. When spending time with Scarlet, one can expect an engaging and fun experience. She particularly enjoys a competitive game of UNO, where she demonstrates good sportsmanship. Additionally, she loves to take on the role of a DJ, selecting her favorite songs to set the atmosphere. Scarlet is learning Spanish so she would flourish with a Spanish speaking family. Scarlet has expressed that her ideal family would be a mom, or mom and dad. She would like to have younger siblings, and she is open to pets as well. To learn more about Scarlet, please contact exchange specialist Kenyatta Johnson at Kenyatta.Johnson@dcf.nj.gov.
Aashyia: March 2012
Meet Aashyia! Aashiya is very creative and a talented artist. She can be shy at first but will warm up to you once she’s comfortable. Like any typical teenager, her favorite hobby is sleeping along with playing video games (Roblox) and drawing. Science is Aashiya’s favorite subject in school, but she isn’t sure yet what career she will pursue in the future. She is too busy enjoying her teenage years! Aashyia is a big animal lover and says that her favorite is the Capybara. She would love to find a family who has pets. Aashiya would benefit from a structured, two-parent household with older siblings who can be positive role models. Aashyia does have siblings that she continues to have contact with, and she would like to maintain these relationships after adoption. To learn more about Aashyia, please contact Richa Rodier at Richa.Rodier@dcf.nj.gov.
Serinity: August 2012
Serinity is an outgoing, sweet young lady who impresses those around her with her charm and intelligence. She has overcome a lot of adversity in her short life and has started working on her personal goals while focusing on herself. A lover of music, Serinity’s favorite musical artist is NBA Youngboy. She enjoys expressing her own creativity by decorating her room with photos, poetry, and quotes. Family is very important to Serinity, and she shows this by printing out photos of her family members and putting them up around her bedroom. She hopes to one day participate in either a cheerleading or softball team. Serinity is incredibly resilient but will require caregivers who are patient and willing to learn. She will thrive in a home with structure and consistency as she grows up and maneuvers her way through adolescence. Serinity should be the only child in the home. For more information on Serinity, please email exchange specialist Melinda Stevens at Melinda.stevens@dcf.nj.gov.
Volume 23 Issue 2: Spring 2026
Natalie’s Library Corner- Spring 2026
Natalie’s Library Corner
Our free lending library is always growing and this month we are excited to share two new books ready to be borrowed and loved.
Visit our lending library: njarch.org/library
A Buffalo Out of Water written by Jeff Dunn, an adoptive dad of two boys.
This heartfelt story is brought vividly to life through incredibly beautiful illustrations. It follows Wade, a young water buffalo, as he journeys to understand his adoption story. It explores feelings of grief and loss that adoption brings for adopted children. This book offers a gentle and meaningful exploration of identity, a sense of belonging, and connection to birth and adoptive families. At the end of the book, Dunn offers some helpful and insightful tips for families and friends about adoption. This book would be great for a transracial family, international adoption story and for children in elementary school.
Your Hair Is Your Crown written by Tamekia Swint, is a joyful, affirming story that celebrates natural hair and the importance of self-love. With engaging illustrations and a strong, positive message, it encourages children to take pride in who they are. The story reflects the cultural significance of hair within Black culture, where hair is often seen as an expression of identity, history, and pride across all stages of life. For families formed through adoption and kinship, especially those parenting transracially, this book offers a meaningful way to begin conversations about identity, representation, and culture. It is a helpful reminder of how important it is for children to see themselves reflected and celebrated. This is a warm and accessible read that supports positive self-image while also helping caregivers continue to grow in understanding and connecting to their child’s experience.
* A special note from the author: “I wrote Your Hair is Your Crown as a tribute to the many adoptees and children in care who have sat in my chair and touched my heart. Thank you to NJ Arch for helping share this message with families, because every child deserves to wear their crown with confidence.” – Tamekia Swint, Founder of Styles 4 Kidz NFP, Author, Hair Stylist, and Hair Educator
Resources for Foster Youth and Families
Resources for Foster Youth and Families:
embrella
Foster parenting comes with both rewards and challenges, and having the right support can make all the difference. embrella, a New Jersey–based nonprofit, provides a wide range of services to help foster families feel prepared, connected, and supported. Through free training and education, caregivers can build skills and better understand the needs of children who have experienced trauma. Family Support Advocates offer guidance and help families navigate the child welfare system, while support groups create opportunities to connect with others who truly understand the journey.
embrella also provides practical assistance, including funding for extracurricular activities, school needs, and enrichment opportunities like camps. Programs such as the Bag Project help ensure children entering care have essential items and a sense of dignity from the start. By combining emotional support, education, and tangible resources, embrella helps foster families not only manage challenges—but thrive. Be sure to check out their upcoming event, The Otter Wears Prada, listed on the last page of this newsletter. For more information about embrella visit: www.embrella.org
EnlightenMENT
A peer-to-peer mentoring program created to authentically engage with and support youth dealing with a range of experiences in the foster care system. Youth are matched with a peer navigator that will offer advice, guidance, and empowerment strategies with a genuine approach. Navigators that meet you where you are and ARE HERE FOR YOU!
New Jersey Peer2Peer Program: EnlightenMENT
Peer2Peer Program locations:
Essex, Union, Hudson, and Morris (starting July 1- Passaic, Bergen, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren):
Children’s Aid and Family Services
Phone Number: (201) 261-2800
Email referrals: peer2peer@cafsnj.org
Mercer, Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean:
Children’s Home Society
Phone Number: (609) 802-5213
Email referrals: p2preferral@chsofnj.org
Atlantic, Burlington and Camden
Oaks Integrated Care
Phone Number: (609) 953-6800
Email: p2preferrals@oaksintcare.org
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