Resources
On our resources page, you’ll find a curated list of support services and information for Immigrant Foster Youth, Behavioral Health, and Parenting Foster Youth. Explore our selection of national and community-based resources designed to help you navigate these challenges with guidance and support. Whether you’re seeking legal advice, parenting strategies, or mental health assistance, we’ve gathered trusted organizations to aid you on your journey.
Parenting Resources:
1. The Birth Parent National Network (BPNN) - Youth Law Center
Website: www.ylc.org/bpnn
Services: The BPNN supports both current and former foster youth who are parents. They provide peer support, advocacy, and resources to help youth navigate the challenges of parenting while coping with the trauma of being in the child welfare system. Their programs include both youth who are still in foster care and those who have aged out.
2. Parents Anonymous®
Website: www.parentsanonymous.org
Services: Parents Anonymous offers trauma-informed peer support groups for parents, including foster youth who are still in care and those who have transitioned out. These support groups help young parents work through the trauma they've experienced in the system and develop healthy parenting practices.
3. Rise Magazine – Parenting Support for System-Involved Families
Website: www.risemagazine.org
Services: Rise Magazine shares stories and resources from parents who have been involved in the child welfare system, including foster youth who are parenting while still in care. They provide tools to help these parents reflect on their trauma and develop effective parenting strategies, whether they are still in foster care or have aged out.
4. Youth Thrive – Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP)
Services: The Youth Thrive initiative provides resources to improve outcomes for young parents who are still in foster care or have aged out. They offer trauma-informed strategies for parenting and building resilience, with a focus on the unique challenges that system-involved youth face in their roles as parents.
5. FosterClub's Young Parent Program
Website: www.fosterclub.com
Services: FosterClub supports young parents who are still in foster care or who have aged out. Their Young Parent Program provides peer support, educational workshops, and resources focused on trauma-informed parenting for current and former foster youth. The program emphasizes breaking cycles of generational trauma and supporting young parents as they navigate both the foster care system and parenthood.
6. Youth Development Institute (YDI) – Parenting Foster Youth Resources
Website: www.ydinstitute.org
Services: YDI provides specialized programs for foster youth who are parenting, both those currently in the foster care system and those who have transitioned out. Their services focus on addressing trauma, building strong parenting skills, and offering guidance on balancing the roles of being a foster youth and a parent.
7. Casey Family Programs – Young Parents in Foster Care
Website: www.casey.org
Services: Casey Family Programs offers resources specifically for young parents who are still in foster care and those who have aged out. Their resources include trauma-informed parenting strategies and support to help foster youth understand and manage how their own trauma affects their parenting. The program also addresses systemic barriers that foster youth face while trying to parent.
8. The National Crittenton Foundation
Website: www.nationalcrittenton.org
Services: The National Crittenton Foundation offers programs that support young mothers, including those who are still in foster care. Their programs help youth recover from trauma, develop parenting skills, and create healthier family environments. They also provide leadership opportunities for young mothers to advocate for themselves and their children.
9. Healthy Families America (HFA)
Website: www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org
Services: HFA provides home visiting services for young parents, including those who are still in foster care. The program offers trauma-informed parenting guidance, focusing on breaking cycles of neglect or abuse that may stem from the trauma of being in foster care. The services include personalized support to help foster youth build healthy relationships with their children.
10. The Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA)
Website: www.ffta.org
Services: FFTA provides specialized guidance for foster youth who are parents, including those still in care. Their trauma-informed programs focus on helping young parents understand how their experiences in the foster care system impact their parenting roles. FFTA offers support groups, parenting resources, and trauma-informed care training for foster youth balancing parenthood and life in the system.
Immigration Resources:
1. Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Website: www.ilrc.org
Services: Provides technical assistance, legal training, and advocacy tools for child welfare professionals working with immigrant children. They offer guidance on immigration relief options, such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), for undocumented children in foster care.
2. The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
Website: www.theyoungcenter.org
Services: This organization advocates for the best interests of unaccompanied immigrant children in the U.S. child welfare and immigration systems. They assign Child Advocates who ensure the child's rights are respected during court proceedings and placements.
3. Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Website: www.supportkind.org
Services: KIND provides free legal representation to unaccompanied and undocumented immigrant children in the U.S. They also offer training for child welfare professionals on best practices for working with immigrant children, addressing trauma, and navigating the child welfare and immigration systems.
4. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
Website: www.uscis.gov/green-card/sijs
Services: SIJS is a pathway for certain undocumented children in foster care to obtain lawful permanent residence. Many immigrant children involved in the U.S. child welfare system qualify for SIJS, and various legal aid organizations provide help navigating the process.
5 . U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
Website: www.refugees.org
Services: USCRI provides assistance to immigrant and refugee children in foster care, offering trauma-informed services, legal aid, and culturally sensitive placements to ensure their well-being and integration into new communities.
6 . National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
Website: www.immigrantjustice.org
Services: NIJC provides free legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children and those in foster care, assisting with deportation defense, SIJS applications, and asylum claims. They also offer educational programs for child welfare workers on legal protections available to immigrant children.
7. American Bar Association – Children’s Immigration Law Academy (CILA)
Website: www.cilacademy.org
Services: CILA provides resources, legal training, and guidance to child welfare workers and legal advocates representing immigrant children in the U.S. child welfare and immigration systems.
8. Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services (BRYCS)
Website: www.brycs.org
Services: A national resource center for refugee children, BRYCS provides technical assistance to child welfare professionals. They focus on best practices for serving immigrant and refugee children, offering resources related to trauma-informed care, child welfare practices, and family reunification.
State and Local Resources
Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigrant Services
Website: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
Services: Many Catholic Charities affiliates across the U.S. provide specialized services for immigrant children involved in the child welfare system. These include legal representation, family reunification programs, trauma counseling, and housing support for refugee and immigrant children.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)
Website: www.lirs.org
Services: LIRS provides resettlement services, foster care, and case management for unaccompanied immigrant children. They work with state agencies and local child welfare departments to place children in culturally appropriate foster homes.
The Center for the Human Rights of Children (CHRC)
Website: www.luc.edu/chrc
Services: Based at Loyola University Chicago, CHRC focuses on research, advocacy, and legal support for immigrant children in the child welfare system. They offer resources for child welfare professionals to address the unique needs of immigrant children in care.
Refugee and Immigrant Child Advocacy Project (RICAP)
Website: Based in various states.
Services: RICAP provides legal advocacy and social services for immigrant children involved in the child welfare system, offering assistance with immigration status, placement in foster care, and trauma-informed care resources.
Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Services
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Refugee Trauma Resources
Website: www.nctsn.org
Services: NCTSN provides resources for mental health professionals and child welfare workers to support immigrant children who have experienced trauma. Their resources help professionals offer trauma-informed care for refugee and immigrant children in foster care.
Tahirih Justice Center
Website: www.tahirih.org
Services: This organization provides legal and social services for immigrant children who are survivors of gender-based violence, including forced marriage and trafficking. They also offer trauma-informed counseling and advocacy.
Center for Victims of Torture (CVT)
Website: www.cvt.org
Services: CVT provides mental health services to refugee and immigrant children who have experienced torture or extreme trauma. Their services are particularly beneficial for immigrant children in the child welfare system who require specialized trauma-informed care.
The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute
Website: www.traumacenter.org
Services: Offers trauma-informed care training for child welfare professionals working with immigrant children who have experienced trauma or violence. This center focuses on addressing complex trauma and providing holistic, culturally sensitive care.
Educational Resources
UNICEF USA – Migrant Children and Education Programs
Website: www.unicefusa.org
Services: UNICEF provides educational support and advocacy for immigrant and migrant children, helping ensure that children involved in the U.S. child welfare system have access to education, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY)
Website: Available through many state departments of education.
Services: The EHCY program helps immigrant children, particularly those who are homeless or in foster care, access educational services. They offer support for enrolling children in school and providing necessary services like tutoring and transportation.
Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
Website: Available through state child welfare agencies and financial aid offices.
Services: The Chafee ETV program provides financial assistance to current and former foster youth to support their post-secondary education and vocational training. Eligible youth can receive up to $5,000 per year to cover educational costs, including tuition, books, and living expenses. The program aims to help foster youth transition to independence through education.
Advocacy and Policy Resources
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Immigrant Health Toolkit
Website: www.aap.org
Services: Provides guidance and best practices for pediatricians, child welfare professionals, and caregivers working with immigrant children. The toolkit includes information on health disparities, trauma, and navigating legal issues.
First Focus on Children – Immigrant Children's Campaign
Website: www.firstfocus.org
Services: This advocacy organization works to improve policies and practices related to immigrant children in the child welfare system, focusing on family reunification, healthcare access, and education equity.
Behavioral Health Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Website: www.nami.org
Services: Provides education, support groups, and advocacy for family members of individuals struggling with mental illness. Their Family-to-Family program offers free, evidence-based education for families.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Website: www.samhsa.gov
Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Services: SAMHSA offers a national helpline for information, support, and referrals to local treatment services. Their Family Support Resources page provides practical guidance for families dealing with substance use and mental health crises.
Al-Anon/Alateen
Website: www.al-anon.org
Services: Support groups specifically designed for families and friends of individuals struggling with alcoholism. Alateen is a separate program for young people affected by someone else’s drinking.
Nar-Anon Family Groups
Website: www.nar-anon.org
Services: Similar to Al-Anon, Nar-Anon provides support groups for those affected by a loved one’s substance use disorder, focusing on the challenges faced by family and friends of people who struggle with drug addiction.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Family Resources
Website: www.drugabuse.gov
Services: Provides a wealth of scientifically based resources on addiction, including information specifically for families. Their Family Checkup tool helps families assess and improve communication to prevent or reduce substance use.
Mental Health America (MHA)
Website: www.mhanational.org
Services: Provides education, tools, and referrals for family members dealing with mental health challenges, including the Family Toolkit, which offers practical advice for supporting loved ones.
Local and Community-Based Resources
Local NAMI Affiliates
Services: Many local NAMI chapters offer family support groups, educational workshops, and peer-to-peer programs to help families better understand and support loved ones with mental health challenges.
Faith-Based Organizations
Services: Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations offer support groups, counseling, and spiritual guidance for families dealing with addiction and mental health issues. Organizations like Celebrate Recovery and Faith Partners can be valuable.
Community Mental Health Centers
Services: Many local mental health centers offer Family Psychoeducation Programs to teach families about mental illness, treatment options, and effective ways to support their loved ones.
Local Peer Support Groups
Services: Check for peer-led support groups for families in your area, such as SMART Recovery Family & Friends, which provides practical tools for coping with a loved one’s addiction.
Specialized Resources
The Partnership to End Addiction
Website: www.drugfree.org
Services: Provides resources specifically for parents and caregivers dealing with a loved one’s substance use. Their Parent Coaching service offers free, confidential support to help families navigate addiction challenges.
Family Resource Center Association (FRCA)
Website: www.familyresourcecenters.net
Services: Offers family resource centers across the U.S. that provide a range of services, including parenting support, mental health referrals, and substance abuse prevention resources.
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
Website: www.thetrevorproject.org
Services: For families and communities supporting LGBTQ+ youth struggling with mental health or substance abuse, The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services.
Family Education Program (FEP)
Website: Available through many state and local addiction treatment services.
Services: FEP helps family members understand the nature of addiction and mental health conditions and teaches effective strategies for providing support. Many state health departments offer FEP workshops.
Educational Resources
CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)
Website: www.cadenceonline.org/craft
Services: An evidence-based program designed to help families positively engage with a loved one in treatment or encourage them to seek help for substance abuse.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
Website: www.nctsn.org
Services: Provides resources and training for families and communities on the effects of trauma, particularly for children and adolescents. Families can learn how to address mental health concerns with trauma-informed approaches.
Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs)
Website: www.nrc-pad.org
Services: Helps families and individuals create plans for future mental health crises, enabling family members to understand and follow their loved one’s preferences for treatment during a mental health emergency.
Parent Support Network (PSN)
Website: www.psn.org
Services: This organization provides free support to parents struggling to help their children with mental health and/or substance use issues, offering guidance, resources, and peer support.