Think of Us

On July 11, we'll be joining We Are For Good for a day of conversations, experiences and insights around the topic of power at the intersection of social impact. From stepping into our personal and collective power to the power dynamics around partnership and funding relationships, and stepping into the power of our stories and narratives. Join us! It's free:

It's time to shift towards a comprehensive approach that prioritizes keeping youth with their families and loved ones whenever possible. This means investing in in-home mental health services and providing the necessary support for caregivers. Many group home providers have already begun shifting their models towards in-home services, demonstrating that change is possible. Learn more from our founder and CEO Sixto Cancel via The Hill:

Think of Us is enhancing our leadership team with the addition of Robert L. Matthews as our new chief program officer, starting July 15th. Robert brings over two decades of experience in the child welfare field, most recently serving as the Director of the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency. His robust background in public administration and implementing family-centered initiatives will be instrumental as we drive systemic improvements. "I'm honored to join the Think of Us team and work alongside inspiring changemakers who are putting the lived experience of those impacted by child welfare at the forefront of driving systemic transformation," Robert shared. "This role allows me to build upon my prior work in expanding kinship care, strengthening prevention services, and improving outcomes for families and youth." In this role, Robert will unify and lead our initiatives to create better outcomes for youth and families. Leave a 👋 to welcome him to the team! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eY7aUzw7

Are you 21 or older and have spent at least two years in foster care? If so, researchers at Teachers College Columbia University are interested in learning about the perceptions of success and wellbeing among young people with foster care experience. To explore eligibility for the study, visit the Study Eligibility Form Here: https://lnkd.in/gG-hcTSu For any questions please contact Burcu Pekcan: Phone: (201) 286-7303 E-mail: [email protected]

🚨 Today, the Senate Finance Committee released a devastating report on the abuse and neglect in for-profit youth residential treatment facilities. This investigation is a crucial step towards accountability, underscoring the need for higher standards, stronger oversight, and investment in community-based alternatives.

This week, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee announced they will be holding a hearing this Wednesday, June 12, at 10am ET on the practices and treatment of youth in residential treatment facilities. Think of Us and our partners are looking for people to share their stories and testimonies with policymakers about their experience in congregate care and non-family placements like group homes, homes for pregnant and parenting teens, therapeutic residential facilities, and shelters. We will gather your words, stories, and insights and share them with the Senate Finance Committee and submit as testimony to the official hearing record. Our goal is to bring real voices and experiences into this hearing. If you are interested, please complete this form by Monday, June 10, at 11:59pm EST. If you'd like to help, please share this form with your network!

To change a system, you first need to identify where it’s broken. For our founder Sixto Cancel, it wasn’t hard to find when it came to the child welfare system. Hear how we’re using lived experience, both personal and collective, to identify problems and build solutions. 🎧

Culturally appropriate supports that recognize an individual’s identity, culture, and lived experience may improve the effectiveness of services and supports and improve long-term outcomes for children and youth. Visit the National #FosterCareMonth resources to learn more.

Every day in California, children in the foster care system are represented by court-appointed attorneys in proceedings where judges make critical decisions about their placement, safety, families, and future. A first-of-its-kind investigative report by Advokids, Western Center On Law & Poverty, and Akin reveals that two-thirds of children in California foster care have never met with their attorney. Learn more:

Don’t wait until youth are exiting foster care to prepare them for independent living. Explore resources on housing, employment, and more to help youth transitioning out of foster care develop a plan that meets federal requirements, builds on their strengths, and supports their needs. #FosterCareMonth