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National Foster Parent Association Newsletter - August, 2025 |
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NFPA's mission is to be a respected national voice for Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Parents through Networking, Education and Advocacy. |
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Arnie Eby, NFPA Executive Director |
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Best Wishes for Your Back to School Season! |
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As the new school year begins, thank you for the consistent support, guidance, and love for the children in your care. Your attention to detail helps children feel prepared, confident, and cared for during this important transition from the busy days of summer to the even-more-busy days of the new school year.
Wishing you and your family a smooth, successful, and joyful back-to-school season—you make a difference every single day!
Arnie |
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A social work researcher at the University of Pittsburgh is examining the role of pets in foster homes.
She is inviting foster parents to take a 15-minute survey online, and if you indicate your willingness in the survey to participate in an interview, she will then contact you to do a 45-minute phone or video interview at a time that is convenient for you.
There is a small Amazon gift card emailed to you in appreciation for your help.
If you have any questions contact her at mar104@pitt.edu or text at
412-716-9061.
This study was approved by the University ethics board.
Below is the URL for the survey. You can also access the survey using the QR code if viewing this newsletter on a printed copy.
https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a3OE1g3AEU5Uu22
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Stop Online Exploitation: Resources for Educators and Adults Working with Kids |
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From their website:
If you’re an adult who works with kids, you’re on the front lines when it comes to keeping them safe. Know2Protect has you covered with valuable internet safety resources and activities that can help you protect the kids in your care. See below for available resources and how to use them.
While this valuable web page was designed for educators, the tools presented have great value for foster and adoptive parents as well. They include:
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Downloadable resources such as crosswords and bingo games on the topic of online risks;
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Tips for identifying fake profiles online;
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The Top 10 Tips for protecting children online;
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And much more!
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Introducing PLEDGE2PROTECT, where you can step up, speak out, and help keep kids and teens safe online. Grab your crew and join the movement!
Launched as the nation’s 49.6 million kids head back to school, Pledge2Protect will inspire people to:
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Empower youth and trusted adults with five simple, proven steps to stay safer online, as well as age-appropriate resources for kids, teens, parents, educators and other trusted adults.
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Act by protecting teens and kids from online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
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Share age-appropriate preventive strategies with others by taking the Pledge2Protect and “Passing the Pledge” to friends, family and communities.
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The NFPA will be collaborators with ATTACh for their
April 9 - 11, 2026 Conference in San Antonio, TX.
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Key stakeholders from the NFPA and our Executive Director Arnie Eby will take part in the design of the conference sessions, with an eye on the needs of the Foster, Adoptive and Kinship parents that we serve.
We look forward to this opportunity to connect with parents and to learn more about how the NFPA can provide ongoing support. |
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NFPA's 54th Education Conference
Targeted. Timely. Presented by Experts.
Our 2025 Virtual Conference will be available online from
October 10 - 20th. Interactive LIVE Sessions will follow on October 24th and 28th. |
The following sessions and presenters have been confirmed for our virtual event:
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Sleep Health for Children in Foster Care (Sleep Study Presentation)
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Education Rights for Children in Foster Care
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Foster and Adoptive Parent Tax Credits and Subsidies
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FASD United - Fetal Alchohol Spectrum Disorders
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NCMEC - National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
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And more!
The conference will be FREE to Members and will be a benefit for those who actively support the mission of the National Foster Parent Association.
Not a member, but wish to attend?
The conference will be available for purchase for non-Members for a fee of $50.00.
We'll open registration as we get closer to the event and past the busy summer and Back to School season.
Training certificates will be provided for each completed session.
Stay up to date on registration opening and session details on Facebook, and at https://nfpaeducation.com |
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The ABA Center on Children and the Law has made these two resources available on the topic of Education for Students in Foster Care.
Click each image to view and print the document. |
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NFPA Remains Active in the Washington, D.C. Advocacy Scene
Our ED Arnie Eby recently attended Senator Grassley's hearing, 'Senate Caucus on Foster Youth: Policy Discussion on Supporting Successful Transitions to Adulthood'.
Use the links below to engage with our partners in Advocacy and to stay informed regarding the legislative items we are closely following. |
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Child Welfare League of America |
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Bills to Follow in the 119th Congress |
*Passed the House, will go to the Senate as the next step.
Makes the diligent recruitment plan requirements of Title IV-B more robust and requires states to use a data-driven approach for identifying potential foster parents.
The NFPA has been actively involved in the presentation of this bill to the House of Representatives.
Creates a one-time per year tax credit for foster families providing short term care for children.
Would provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients.
Modernizes the Federal poverty line to accurately reflect cost of living and regional adjustments.
Reauthorizations:
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JTS House Ways and Means Testimony: Recommendations to Strengthen the Key Programs that Support Youth in Foster Care
From the last JTS newsletter:
Last Congress, Journey to Success joined other advocates in effectively championing the passage of the bipartisan Supporting America’s Children and Families Act. We are encouraged to see the bipartisan momentum continue. Our campaign looks forward to working alongside House and Senate leaders toward a result that delivers on the promise of Chafee and creates brighter futures for all transition-age youth experiencing foster care.
Read the full recommendations HERE. |
| Read the Journey to Success Newsletter |
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Members in Action!
We are pleased to share the news of a generous endowment of $50,000 to the Michigan State University School of Social Work to support its Master of Social Work (MSW) students pursuing a career in child welfare services. |
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This gift was made possible by Lara Bouse, a highly decorated advocate in the child welfare space and a former kinship caregiver herself.
Despite not being an MSU alum, Bouse’s inspiration for this gift was strongly influenced by MSU’s Kinship Care Resource Center (KCRC)—a resource center housed in the MSU School of Social Work that “provides services to hundreds of families across Michigan, providing resources, support, education, and a sense of community,” said Anne Hughes, the director of MSU’s School of Social Work. “Kinship families are often the unsung heroes, providing a safety net for children in Michigan,” she continued.
Learn more >>
Laura is an NFPA Member, and a member of our Council of State Affiliates. We thank her for making possible this generous contribution to the welfare of children! |
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