As the beginning of school approaches, consider what supports the children and youth in your home or on your caseload might need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
As parents and caregivers, we all know that humor is one of the things that can help us get through the day with a little bit of grace. Watch this music video by Charlie Appelstein: “Don’t Yell, Gently Tell.”
TURN TOWARD THE LIGHT
Here in Vermont, we’re entering the height of sunflower season. You might notice them in a neighbor’s yard or in a field down the road. Heliotropism, the way sunflowers turn toward the light, can be a
Being adopted or part of the foster care system on holidays like Birth Mother’s Day (on Saturday May 9th), and the traditional Mother’s Day (on Sunday, May 10th), might feel especially complicated for the young people in your home.
Carmina Garciadealba, who’ll be facilitating a workshop on the topic of normalcy at our 2026 Vermont Caregiver Connections Conference, wears many hats.
In our trainings for kin, foster, and adoptive families, we practice a variety of mindfulness techniques because we know that awareness helps us support children and youth who are struggling.
Can you think of a time when optimism helped you build a bridge beyond a challenging situation? What helped you feel optimistic, especially if things were hard? Share your thoughts with a friend or loved one…
Our Caregiver Connections Conference, held on May 9th at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont, is meant to connect, inspire, and celebrate Vermont’s kin, foster, and adoptive caregivers, along with those who work with them.
The children in your home might be coping with a lot these days. Here are some resources to help you support their physical and emotional well-being.
As we head into these next few weeks of holidays and kids being off of school, here are three things you might want to keep in mind: …
NOURISHMENT
Take a few deep breaths and consider what truly nourishes you. Kroma Wellness states that nourishment is “a holistic concept encompassing everything you need to support your health, growth, and development.” Often, we think that nourishment is related to
Transitioning from adolescence to adulthood is a major life change for any young person, one that often comes with little preparation for the financial realities of this new phase of life. For youth aging out of the foster care system
Join us on Monday, November 3rd for the powerful documentary Love Chaos Kin: A Look at Transracial Adoption by award-winning film maker Chithra Jeyaram. This is a free event at the Main Street Landing Film House in Burlington, Vermont. Registration
This month we’ll be focusing on understanding the experiences and needs of youth who are moving beyond the child welfare system as they become adults.
ADJUSTING TO CHANGES
Fall is a clear time of change—we can see it and feel it. It’s easy to tell that some of us, the boot-and-sweater-wearing crowd, are excited to move into this time of crisp air and muted colors,
If you are a kinship caregiver, take a moment to breathe deeply and appreciate the good you are doing—even, or maybe especially, if raising your relatives sometimes feels challenging. If you are a friend or community member, consider ways you
MINDFUL KINSHIP
September is National Kinship Care month. Kinship is about connection. Our kin are those to whom we’re related, and also those who aren’t relatives but with whom we feel close bonds.
As children and youth around the state begin the school year, keep in mind that success looks different for every child. Here are some things to consider to help the children and youth in your home thrive during this academic
The Vermont Family Network is offering a free virtual training Aufust 14th 1-2pm that might be of use to you. If you’ve taken classes through the Vermont Child Welfare Training Partnership, you know that it’s always helpful to add more
PAUSING IN DOORWAYS
Pausing in doorways is one way to start easing into the back-to-school transition that may begin in a few weeks for the children and youth in your life.
“Before you walk through a door, pause, even
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