A major step in building your family through adoption is the home study. The laws of every State and the District of Columbia require all prospective adoptive parents (no matter how they intend to adopt) to participate in a home study conducted by a licensed social worker or caseworker. This process has three purposes: Educate… [read more]

On April 9, 1912, the U.S. Children’s Bureau became the first national government agency in the world to focus solely on the needs of children. During the past 100 years, the Children’s Bureau has played a critical role in addressing vital issues affecting families—from reducing infant mortality and eradicating child labor, to preventing child maltreatment… [read more]

The national recognition that family connections are essential for children is applauded; though, it must come with assurances that children outside of foster care who have been removed from their parent’s home are afforded the equal protections and services received by those children who live in the foster care system. The National Kinship Alliance for… [read more]

Published by Family Law A publishing imprint of Jordan Publishing Limited 21 St Thomas Street Bristol BSI 6JS For the Hague Conference on Private International Law Permanent Bureau 6, Scheveningseweg 2517 KT The Hague The Netherlands Telephone +31(0)70 363 3303 fax +31(0)70 360 4867 e-mail secretariat@hcch.net website http://www.hcch.net © Hague Conference on Private International Law… [read more]

The purpose of this handbook is to empower individuals with disabilities and their families and professional caregivers by providing information with which they can more effectively advocate for treatments, supports, services and the conditions that promote mental wellness. Individuals with the dual diagnoses of developmental disabilities and mental health disorders face multiple challenges in their… [read more]

In recent decades, the significant percentage of births to unmarried parents1 has led to an increased focus on the fathers of these children. Referred to as alleged, presumed, reputed, or putative fathers, many of them seek recognition of their legal rights and expanded roles in raising their children. Constitutional Rights Historically, unmarried fathers have had… [read more]

The Self-Help Support Group Directory Your Guide to Local New Jersey Support Groups XXVIII Edition | 35th Anniversary Edition. The Self-Help Support Group Directory Link

About 7.8 million children live in grandfamilies.  Some grandfamilies are multigenerational households where families pool resources and grandparents provide care so parents can work.  In others, grandparents or other relatives have stepped in to keep children out of foster care when parents are unable to care for them. Sometimes grandparents have stepped in and a parent… [read more]

Since its founding in 1974 by adoptive parents, the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) has been dedicated to the mission that every child deserves a permanent family. Through education, support, parent leadership capacity building, and advocacy, NACAC promotes and supports permanence for children and youth in foster care in the United States and Canada. Some… [read more]