Learning Session: How to Build a System that Never Stops Looking for Kin

When children are removed from their parents, finding ways for them to safely live with and remain connected to kin and other trusted adults offers a sense of stability and belonging, maintains family connections, and preserves cultural identity. Yet kin placements don’t always happen at the time of removal, even if there is a willing caregiver. Tight timelines, background check requirements, unanswered telephone calls, or a potential caregiver’s need for support may prevent children from being placed with kin right away.

How can we build systems that ensure family connections are not lost and kin search continues as long as children remain in out-of-home care?

Join the GPL and three child welfare leaders committed to building a kin-first culture in Michigan and Florida as they share concrete examples of ways their agency leadership and case management staff are implementing daily practices to build systems that never stop looking for kin.

Panelists:

• Ivana Maplanka, Regional Deputy Director for BSC5, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
• Jennifer Ulmer, Program Section Manager in Wayne County, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
• Sheryl Williams, Program Officer of Case Management & Adoptions at ChildNet in Broward County, FL
• Moderator: Emma Cregg, Project Leader, Government Performance Lab