Stronger Together: SWAN and IL Collaborate to Support Older Youth
Youth preparing to transition from foster care to adulthood need both practical skills and lasting, supportive relationships. Through ongoing collaboration, SWAN and Pennsylvania’s Independent Living (IL) Program are helping older youth access …
Adoption Through Two Lenses
Adoption can hold joy and grief at the same time. For mindset and identity coach Isaac Etter and his adoptive mother, Julie Etter, learning to understand that complexity transformed not only how they viewed adoption, but also how they related to one another.
Relationships Key to Permanency: Creating Trust, Accountability and a Sense of Belonging
Many permanency professionals have worked with a young person who struggles to trust adults, resists permanency or pushes relationships away. During the opening keynote of the Annual Pennsylvania Permanency Conference, Rodney Walker invited attendees to consider what those behaviors can look like from the other side and how one consistent, caring adult can help change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Moving Beyond Participation: Ethical Youth Engagement in Permanency Practice
How do we move beyond inviting youth to the table and ensure their voices genuinely shape the decisions that affect their lives?
That question framed the opening keynote of the SWAN Summer Statewide Meeting, where permanency professionals from across Pennsylvania gathered to connect with one another and learn, including exploring practical strategies for strengthening youth engagement, belonging and lifelong connections.
Permanency Is a Team Sport
At the 2026 SWAN/IL Spring Quarterly Meetings, professionals from across Pennsylvania’s child welfare and independent living networks gathered to be reminded, encouraged and called to action around the concept that permanency is not achieved alone. The morning general session presentation, “Permanency is a Team Sport,” highlighted how collaboration, trust, and shared purpose are essential to helping youth in foster care build lasting connections and lifelong support systems.
National Foster Care Month
Governor Josh Shapiro issued a proclamation declaring May 2026 as National Foster Care Month in Pennsylvania, recognizing the thousands of children, youth, caregivers and professionals who work every day to create safe and supportive paths to permanency.
The proclamation highlights the importance of foster care as a bridge to healing, stability, and hope for children experiencing crisis. As of March 31, 2025, more than 11,000 children in Pennsylvania were in out-of-home care, supported by …
Showcase Youth Artwork: 34th Annual PA Permanency Conference
Do you know of a creative foster/adoptive youth willing to share their artistic talent with attendees at the upcoming Pennsylvania Permanency Conference? We are seeking talent to showcase during the opening of the conference. The opening session is meant to inspire professionals, families, and advocates who work with children and families across Pennsylvania.
Recognizing and Responding to Blocked Care in Resource Families
Parenting youth who have experienced abuse and trauma can be deeply rewarding. It can also be challenging, overwhelming, and at times, emotionally exhausting. While many caregivers are able to work through these feelings, there are times when the sense of disconnection persists and becomes more difficult to navigate.
Now Accepting 2026 Permanency Conference Family Scholarship Applications
We are thrilled to be able to provide a limited number of family scholarships to the 34th Annual Pennsylvania Permanency Conference taking place June 17-19, 2026, at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Pocono Manor, PA. The Permanency Conference brings resource families and child welfare professionals together to foster teamwork and collaboration in achieving permanent connections for all children and youth.
Inside ALSP: History, Expansion and New Office Space
Recently, we sat down with the Adoption Legal Services Project (ALSP) Director Mike Wahlen to discuss his team’s journey over the last two years, which includes a significant expansion and a brand new office space.