Professional Voices Shaping Tomorrow’s Solutions

The Post-Adoption Center is excited to announce that our 2026 Peer Groups are on the way! These sessions are created specifically for child welfare professionals to exchange insights on key topics, strengthen supportive networks, and collaborate on practical solutions. Come join the conversation and be part of this supportive community as we dive into the following topics:

Coming in February 2026: Targeted Outreach-Engaging Families Who Need Support Post Permanency

This series will spotlight how and why family engagement can make a huge difference in the development of a successful post adoption/guardianship program. Discussion will also highlight the critical role of using targeted data to proactively identify families who may be at higher risk for challenges, enabling agencies to conduct timely outreach and provide supports that help strengthen family relationships. Sites who are using unique and effective outreach and engagement efforts at various points in the permanency journey will be invited to present on what they do and how their outreach works in identifying families in need, engaging them, and getting them into services before crises occur.

Coming in May 2026: Reaching Families in Remote/Rural Areas

Post-permanency services are often concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural families with limited access to care. Geographic isolation, limited provider availability, and distinct cultural norms can make these communities harder to engage, especially when using traditional service delivery models. Join us as we examine barriers to program development and delivery, and highlight creative strategies for building community-responsive post-permanency supports that reflect the unique realities of rural families.

Coming in September 2026: What Do These Service Components Have in Common?

Educational Advocacy is a key component of a post permanency program, yet is not always offered or is fragmented from program design. Without the right support, school can quickly become a major source of stress for both the child and the family. Come listen to states providing high quality programming in this area to consider how to expand your programming with this powerful service.

Check back next month for registration information!

Opportunities to Connect

One of the goals of the National Center for Enhanced Post-Adoption Support is to offer opportunities for child welfare professionals to connect with one another and to learn from each other regarding post-permanency services. This spring, we’ll launch multiple peer groups, each focusing on a specific topic (such as model programs, sustainability and evaluation). Our peer groups are open to all child welfare professionals in the United States. As one of these professionals, you may join groups that interest you.

Exchange with Your Peers

The peer groups offer dedicated space for professionals in public and private agencies to gather virtually to:

  • share information about how they are supporting families that have achieved permanency through adoption or guardianship
  • hear from experts and fellow professionals about information and resources related specifically to a group’s topic
  • ask questions of peers
  • brainstorm solutions to challenges that group members are experiencing
  • learn from the states, territories and tribal nations partnering with the Post-Adoption Center for technical assistance.

Check back on this page or subscribe to see the list of peer groups that we will offer this year.

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