Teen Needed Just One Solid Connection, and Now He Has It
KANSAS: A.J.* has been in foster care for nearly a decade. With his parents out of the picture, he was raised by his aunt until the day she dropped him off at a juvenile detention center and abandoned him. He was only nine years old. Shortly after entering care, A.J. was on a path to […]
After Years in Foster Care, Raven is Now on Her Way to a Forever Home
CALIFORNIA: When Raven was in preschool, she entered the foster care system with her two older brothers. They had been neglected and exposed to domestic violence. Because Raven’s parents were not able to provide contact information for relatives and no foster homes were available to take in a trio of children, social services had no […]
Connect Our Kids Names David Fowler As Their Hero
In the Connect Our Kids “Our Hero” series, we recognize the outstanding work of our users who have made a life-changing impact on the lives of children in foster care. TEXAS: Meet Connect Our Kids Hero David Fowler. David is a Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Supervisor at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for the Highland […]
Teen Facing Home Removal Discovers More Relatives
FLORIDA: Sixteen-year-old Omar* loves pizza. He also loves school, playing video games, and being artistic. When he was in elementary school, Omar’s mother passed away. He couldn’t live with his father because he was in jail. Omar then went on to live with his grandparents and did not experience foster care as a result. After […]
Connections Revisited
COLORADO: Zeke, an intelligent, assertive and athletic boy had a habit of pushing people who care about him away. This became noticeable after one of his last foster parents fell in love with him and wanted to adopt him. After they shared the good news, Zeke began to sabotage the relationship and was unfortunately removed from the home.
Trauma-Informed Aunt Takes In Medically Fragile Teen
NEVADA: Winona*, a victim of medical neglect and food scarcity, entered foster case due to allegations of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She also has a medical condition that if left unmanaged causes illness.
The Importance of Second Chances
KANSAS: Baby boy Zac needed a loving and supportive home. His family finding advocate from Cornerstones of Care used the Connect Our Kids technology platform and found an aunt who wanted to take in little Zac.
Our Technology Platform
When a child enters the foster care system, the goal is to find a safe home as quickly as possible, preferably with a loving extended family member or other natural community members like a teacher, coach, or neighbor. Keeping the child connected to safe and known supporters reduces trauma and minimizes unacceptable outcomes for already vulnerable children.
A Father Found Leads to a Family History Discovery
MINNESOTA: Syrah is a teenager in foster care. She has long wondered about her family history. Syrah had not seen her father since early childhood and unfortunately, she did not know names or specific details of her paternal biological family.
Help Us Create More Connections in 2022
“One idea lights a thousand candles.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson