News & Updates

Thomas Threlkeld-Lived Experience Expert

Hear Thomas share his powerful lived experience as an adopted person who re-entered care and spent his pre-adolescent and adolescent years in group homes, shelters and the foster care system. He reflects on pursuing a social work degree in college, where his determination to succeed was shaped not only by hope, but also by the fear that failure could leave him without stable housing. Through honesty and insight, Thomas describes what he has learned about himself in adulthood and offers a deeply personal perspective on foster care, adoption, resilience, and the enduring need for belonging. We invite you to listen to his compelling story. Source: Pat O’Brien, AFFCNY, (Host)-After the Kids Move In

After the Kids Move In · Thomas Threlkeld – Lived Experienced Expert , Child Welfare Professional, & Artist

In Person All-Site Meeting

The Post-Adoption Center held a one-and-a-half-day in-person cross-site meeting on August 18 and 19 in Crystal City, Virginia for sites receiving technical assistance. The meeting brought together child welfare professionals from 14 states and Tribal Nations, including Montana, Oregon, California, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Florida, the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Interactive activities, panel discussions, and the Site Marketplace helped participants share innovative work they are doing with post-permanency services. Featured speakers, Pat O’Brien of Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition and Thomas Threlkeld, Lived Expert and QIC-EY Trainer, brought lived and field expertise to deepen participants’ understanding of the importance of providing services to adoptive and guardianship families.

It was beneficial to share information with others and to learn from others who are already providing post permanency programs.

Very impressive and immersive program. I especially valued connecting with peers and the Centers team in person. Can’t wait to share all the ideas and information with my leadership.

I loved the breakout rooms and connecting with all of the tribal nations.

We Are Recruiting

The National Center for Enhanced Post‑Adoption Support is now recruiting states, Tribal Nations, and territories to participate in Year 4 on‑site technical assistance beginning after October 4, 2026. This opportunity supports jurisdictions in strengthening and expanding post‑permanency services through tailored, hands‑on guidance from the Center's team. For more information, complete this form.