Since our founding in 1983, Raise the Future has designed and implemented evidence-based, wraparound services that reduce the amount of time youth in foster care live without a permanent family. Our programs increase the likelihood of forming and sustaining positive connections that help to transform their futures.
Without a Family
by Age 25
by Age 21
within 8 Years
Raise the Future programming works together to support youth and families at every step of their relationship journey. From connecting youth with stable relationships to strengthening families impacted by trauma, Raise the Future is bringing a brighter future in reach for youth and families for generations to come.
Raise the Future finds families for youth waiting in foster care through an evidence-based model that has proven to be effective at serving children who have been in foster care the longest. Media-based recruitment such as Wednesday's Child segments, Heart Gallery, and connection events also profile children waiting in foster care to raise awareness and recruit families in the communities where we work.
Raise the Future offers support and education to prospective families through adoption information classes, webinars, and phone line inquiries that help families understand the process and challenges of adopting from foster care. Training is also offered to child welfare system professionals to enhance support for children and families involved in foster care.
Once a family is identified who closely meets the needs and wishes of the child(ren), Raise the Future staff supports the youth and family through the process of becoming officially matched. Policies regarding being matched with a child and receiving an adoptive placement vary depending on location and the jurisdiction responsible for the child. Raise the Future works with parents, agencies and the government to provide support and information until placement can be determined.
Receiving an adoptive placement happens after the process of being matched with a child. Once a pre-adoptive home has been identified, Raise the Future staff help prepare youth and families for the challenges and opportunities they will face during the transition to permanence.
When a youth moves home with his or her pre-adoptive family, Raise the Future staff work closely with both the pre-adoptive caregiver(s) and the youth to support the transition and connect them to services that can enhance placement success, such as counseling and respite care.
Using the evidence-based, trauma-informed, and attachment-rich model TBRI®, Raise the Future supports caregivers and child professionals to understand the impact of trauma, gain tools to address associated behavioral challenges, and develop strategies that support healing and allow children to thrive.
Raise the Future staff also provide long-term support to families who have a closed case with child welfare. Through referrals, training, support groups, one-on-one coaching, and crisis support, Raise the Future helps to mitigate the risk of youth returning to foster care and enhance the overall well-being of children, families, and communities.
(based on study by Hanson 2006)