Advocacy for the Reauthorization of Title IV-B: A Conversation with Zach Laris

When we talk about child welfare policy, it’s easy to get lost in legislative jargon and funding allocations. But behind every policy decision and every budget are real children and families. Families who need support, children who deserve stability, and systems that must be re-imagined to truly serve those at the heart of it all. That’s why the recent reauthorization of Title IV-B of the Social Security Act is such a critical moment for those of us in the adoption, kinship, and foster care advocacy space.

Recently, I had the honor to sit down with Zach Laris, the Founder & Executive Director of Bolder Horizon and author of Child Welfare Wonk, to discuss what this reauthorization means, how the advocacy efforts unfolded, and what we can learn from this experience to continue making progress in child welfare policy.

Why Title IV-B Matters

Title IV-B is unique among child welfare funding streams. Unlike other programs that focus primarily on intervention after a crisis has occurred, Title IV-B is about prevention and family support. This funding helps families access services before they enter the child welfare system, providing essential reunification services and support for kinship caregivers. In other words, it’s a lifeline for families who might otherwise struggle without resources, and it prioritizes keeping children safely with their families whenever possible.

This funding is also one of the few dedicated to post-adoption support services, which is particularly important for those of us advocating for better mental health support for adoptees and their families. Adoption isn’t the end of the journey; it’s the beginning of a new chapter that requires continued support, especially for children navigating trauma and belonging.

The Path to Reauthorization: A Lesson in Advocacy

The reauthorization of Title IV-B didn’t happen overnight. As Zach explained, this was the result of strategic coordination among advocacy groups, bipartisan engagement, and the tireless work of individuals who believed in the necessity of these services. When he began working on this effort during his time at the American Academy of Pediatrics, he quickly realized a key barrier: there was no unified strategy among advocacy groups. Different organizations had different priorities, and without a shared vision, policymakers weren’t receiving a clear message.

Zach saw an opportunity for action, and together with Rebecca Robuck, Executive Director of the National Coalition on Child, and Family Well-Being, began convening a coalition of organizations, working to align their priorities and build a consensus-driven advocacy strategy. Together, they emphasized three core priorities: supporting families, adopting a trauma-informed and mental health-oriented approach, and investing in workforce development. This coalition effort made it easier to engage policymakers and gain traction in both the House and Senate.

One of the key successes of this advocacy push was securing consensus recommendations and a letter from multiple organizations outlining funding priorities, which played a significant role in keeping Title IV-B on lawmakers’ radar. This kind of coordinated effort is what makes child welfare advocacy so powerful: we are stronger when we speak together with a unified voice.

The Challenges of Advocacy

As someone who has lived through the foster care system and has since dedicated my career to advocacy, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to build consensus in this field. Zach and I discussed the delicate balance between maintaining one’s principles and embracing compromise. He highlighted that in advocacy, most issues can be addressed through shared priorities, but there will always be some areas where complete agreement isn’t possible. The key is knowing when to push for significant changes and when to collaborate with others to find common ground, ensuring that progress continues even amidst differences.

One of the biggest hurdles in the Title IV-B reauthorization process was ensuring that the legislation moved smoothly through the Senate, which often requires unanimous consent. A single objection can halt progress, making it essential to engage with key decision-makers early and often. Zach emphasized that the advocacy work wasn’t just about writing letters, emails, or hosting meetings. It involved rallies, direct engagement with Congressional champions, and public awareness campaigns that ensured this issue remained a priority.

The Role of Lived Experience in Policy Change

One of the most powerful takeaways from my conversation with Zach was the critical role that lived experience plays in shaping effective policy. He emphasized how advocacy is strongest when it is informed by those who have personally navigated foster care, kinship and adoption.

I shared with him how my own experience growing up in the foster system, being adopted as a teenager, and working as an advocate has shaped my perspective. Policies that look good on paper don’t always translate into real-world impact, and that’s why it’s crucial to have voices like ours at the table. Various advocacy groups have been leading efforts to ensure that youth, adoptees, and kinship caregivers have a direct voice in policy discussions, recognizing their lived experiences as essential to shaping effective child welfare policies.

What’s Next?

Reauthorizing Title IV-B is just one piece of the larger puzzle. As we look ahead, the child welfare advocacy space is evolving, and so are the strategies we use to drive change. Zach and I discussed how advocacy has shifted over the years from relying on trauma narratives to adopting a more sophisticated, data-driven, and solution-oriented approach.

The reauthorization of Title IV-B has also opened new funding opportunities for prevention services and mental health support. Now, the focus will be on ensuring proper implementation, monitoring how states utilize the funding, and pushing for continued improvements in the system. This means ongoing engagement with both federal and state policymakers, as well as collaboration between advocacy groups, researchers, and community leaders.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Action

Policy work can sometimes feel slow, frustrating, and overwhelming. But moments like the reauthorization of Title IV-B remind us that change is possible when we stay committed, strategic, and united. As someone who has both lived through and worked within the system, I believe that our voices, our stories, and our expertise matter in shaping the policies that impact our lives.

Advocacy isn’t just for policy professionals; it’s for every single person who cares about children, families, and a system that prioritizes well-being. Whether you’re a foster youth, an adoptive parent, a social worker, or simply someone who believes in making a difference, there’s a place for you in this work.

Title IV-B has been reauthorized, but the work doesn’t stop here. Now is the time to stay engaged, push for accountability, and continue advocating for policies that truly support families. Together, we can build a child welfare system that works, not just on paper, but in the lives of the children and families who need it most.