Resource Library

Identifies six steps in creating a theory of change—defining the problem, defining the end goal, defining steps to reach the end goal, mapping activities, identifying assumptions, and writing a narrative. Although written for international development programs, has information and steps that are applicable in other social services contexts.

Explains what indigenous knowledge is, why it matters, and how practitioners, researchers, and policy makers should respectfully engage with it when working with indigenous communities.

Emphasizes the importance of sustainable implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in child welfare. This article highlights the challenges and need for a structured approach. In addition, it explores the need to assess and select interventions, establish and sustain implementation teams as well as develop and align implementation infrastructure.

Explores the importance of adoption competence, defines key competencies, and makes recommendations to ensure that more mental health providers are truly able to meet the needs of adoptive families.

Presents a shared vision for the future of tribal child welfare research and evaluation collaboratively developed by tribal child welfare administrators, academic and community evaluators and researchers, TA providers, and federal partners. Highlights tribal sovereignty and the meaningful inclusion of tribal voices to enhance tribal research and evaluation capacity.

Maintains that belonging, family, connection and kinship care are essential to children’s well-being – and that the child welfare system must transform into a true child and family well-being system rooted in kin-first culture.

Provides information on accessing adoption records. This article discusses the need for confidentiality related to adoption records, non-identifying information, and mutual consent registries. This article also provides a link to state statues.

Provides guidance to prospective foster and adoptive parents about building a support network. Can be used by professionals to help parents build a therapeutic web of support.

Presents research conducted by an MPLD Fellow on accessing the benefits of post adoption services. This video highlights the process, results and application completed by the fellow.

Describes how grief and loss affect resource families. Shares tools and strategies to increase staff knowledge about grief and loss, including through the use of the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI). Shares how several support programs incorporate grief and loss into their services for resources families.