Shaping the Future of Child Welfare – Highlights from the 119th New Congress Forum

Last month, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) hosted the 119th New Congress Forum on Child Welfare, a significant event that brought together policymakers, child welfare experts, and advocates dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. As new members of Congress assume their roles, this forum provided a critical opportunity to educate legislators on key child welfare issues, encourage collaboration, and establish priorities for legislative action in the coming session.

About the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) and CCAI

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) is the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus in the U.S. Congress, dedicated to promoting policies that ensure every child grows up in a safe, loving, and permanent family. For over 40 years, CCA members have been instrumental in advancing key child welfare legislation, including:

• Supporting America’s Children and Families Act
• Family First Prevention Services Act
• Adoption and Safe Families Act
• John Chafee Foster Care Independence Act
• Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act

CCA continues to champion bipartisan solutions that address the evolving needs of children and families in the child welfare system.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) was established as a nonpartisan organization to serve as a trusted resource for members of Congress. Founded by Congress, for Congress, CCAI provides critical education on domestic and international child welfare issues through policy briefings, forums, and legislative support. Its mission is to equip lawmakers with the knowledge and tools needed to develop effective policies that eliminate barriers to permanency and promote family stability.

Together, CCA and CCAI remain steadfast in their commitment to bipartisan collaboration that places the well-being of children at the center of policymaking.

Key Themes from the Forum

The forum explored some of the most pressing issues in the child welfare system today, laying the foundation for meaningful policy advancements. Key topics included:

Post-Adoption and Post-Permanency Support – Families need robust support after adoption or guardianship to ensure long-term stability and well-being. Without adequate post-permanency services, families may face challenges that can lead to instability or, in some cases, re-entry into the child welfare system. Expanding funding for post-adoption services, increasing access to adoption-competent mental health care, and strengthening community-based resources were highlighted as essential steps to prevent family disruptions and ensure permanency success.

Kinship Care and Family Connections – There is growing recognition of the vital role kinship caregivers play in providing stability for children in foster care. Keeping children connected to their biological families can improve outcomes, but kinship caregivers often face significant financial, legal, and emotional challenges with limited support. Policy discussions emphasized the need to expand financial assistance, legal aid, and wraparound services to help kinship families succeed.

Mental Health Services for Foster and Adopted Youth – Children in foster or kinship care and those who have been adopted often experience trauma, separation, and loss, making specialized, adoption-competent mental health services essential. The focus was on expanding access to trauma-informed and adoption-competent mental health services, and increasing training for mental health professionals working with foster and adopted youth to support the emotional well-being of children and stability of their families.

Youth Voice and Policy Change – One of the most powerful messages from the forum was the importance of centering the voices of those with lived experience in the child welfare system. Policymakers were urged to actively include adoptees and foster youth in decision-making processes. When those directly affected by the system contribute their insights, policies become more effective, responsive, and compassionate.

A Bipartisan Commitment to Action

The forum featured remarks from Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Danny Davis (D-IL), two long-standing champions for children and families. Both reaffirmed their bipartisan commitment to strengthening child welfare policies and pledged to continue working on legislation that ensures children achieve permanency and receive the support they need to thrive. Their dedication reflects the ongoing efforts of Congress to prioritize family stability, permanency, and mental health resources for children in need.

As the 119th Congress moves forward, C.A.S.E. remains dedicated to advocating for policies that strengthen families, promote adoption-competent mental health services, and improve outcomes for youth in foster care and adoption. The conversations at this year’s New Congress Forum underscored the importance of continued collaboration among policymakers, child welfare leaders, and advocates to create a brighter future for children and families to thrive.

Read Dawn Wilson’s Testimony at the 119th New Congress Forum on Child Welfare