Led by members of our National Leadership Circle, this year’s “Fall into Learning” series, Oct. 16-Nov. 13, 2025, tackles key issues facing youth in our nation’s child welfare system. Our fellows explore a range of topics including housing instability, educational equity, trauma-informed care and more – as well as offer actionable strategies for transforming how we support children and families.
| Beyond the Protocol: Case Management with Empathy and Impact 1-3 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2025 Led by Leah Grace Murray Register now | This session is designed to equip professionals with the skills to support youth who experience trauma and hardship. Participants will deepen their understanding of trauma-informed care and how trauma impacts the biological responses of youth, with a focus on epigenetics and its role in shaping behavior and stress reactions. |
| Beyond Hunger: The Depths of Food Insecurity – Health, Waste, and Poverty 3-4:30 p.m. ET Oct. 22, 2025 Led by Destiny Bischoping Register now | Explore the complexities of food insecurity – its impact on physical and mental health, the connection to global food waste, socioeconomic factors, and the evolving poverty line. Review data trends, expand your understanding, and brainstorm community solutions and actionable steps. |
| Co-designing the Advocacy Game: Policy Change for Youth by Youth 3-5 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 2025 Led by Dylan M. Evans Register now | Youth with lived experience in foster care are often left out of policy discussions that impact their lives. This session flips the script, centering youth as co-designers of policy change. Through discussions, case studies, and activities, participants will gain tools to drive systemic change by partnering authentically with young leaders. |
| Reimagining Social Services: Direct Cash Transfers as a Tool for Housing Stability For Young People 1-2 p.m. ET Oct. 29, 2025 Led by Sofie Fashana Register now | This session explores how Direct Cash Transfers Plus (DCT+) can transform housing stability for young people. The session will challenge traditional social-service approaches and highlight how public funds successfully housed 120 young people in Oregon, many facing long-term housing instability. |
| Breaking Time Out of Captivity: Decolonizing Our Systems 3-4:30 p.m. ET Oct. 30, 2025 Led by Fariha Rahman Register now | This session examines how time has been utilized as a tool of control over human labor and resources. Attendees will be able to recognize these patterns and apply this knowledge to their sessions and future work. Although implementing anti-oppressive practices may not be a primary focus, this session will lay the groundwork for us to view people and systems with compassion as we continue to build community. |
| Bridging the Gap: Accelerating Post-Secondary Success for Foster Care Youth 3-4:30 p.m. ET Nov. 5, 2025 Led by Niya Brooks and Cheyenne Gallagher Register now | Young adults with foster care backgrounds face unique challenges in higher education. This interactive session explores tangible and intangible supports – academic help, financial aid, housing, mental health, mentorship, and life skills. Through lived expertise and discussion, participants will gain tools to advocate for educational equity and support foster youth in accessing services and achieving success. |
| Beyond Trauma-Informed: Practicing “Healing-Centered” Engagement with Foster Youth 1-2 p.m. ET Nov. 6, 2025 Led by Mercedes Jackson and Axel Pecero Register now | This session introduces a healing-centered approach that promotes the strengths, resilience, and agency of foster youth. Participants will explore strategies that center lived experiences and support emotional well-being, community connection, cultural affirmation, and youth leadership. The session equips professionals to foster holistic healing and lasting positive outcomes for foster youth. |
| Reimagining “Foster” Care – Transforming Systems Through Nomenclature Change 3-4 p.m. ET Nov. 12, 2025 Led by Joshua Elizondo Register now | This session explores the influence of language over the child welfare system. We examine how language shapes human experience and public perception, revealing how it impacts and reflects system development over time. The session concludes with a recommended policy change aimed at transforming public engagement with the child welfare system. |
| Aging Out, Not Left Out: Expanding Housing Support For Foster Youth Beyond 21 3-4 p.m. ET Nov. 13, 2025 Led by Fatima Latifi and Zarah Latifi Register now | Many young adults face housing instability after aging out of foster care. We’ll discuss how increased funding for housing programs can provide a safe, supportive environment and teach participants how to push for changes that ensure foster youth have the resources they need to succeed. |
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