Why Adoption Competency Matters Across Healthcare
Here’s an article from New England Children’s Behavioral Health Network that explores why adoption competency is essential across healthcare settings and how a deeper understanding of adoption-related experiences can lead to more responsive, family-centered care. Written by Dr. LaShawnda Kilgore, the piece highlights the importance of recognizing the unique histories, strengths, and challenges that adopted children, youth, and families may bring to every healthcare encounter.
Dr. LaShawnda Kilgore is a Training and Implementation Specialist with the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI). She holds a doctorate in Family Communication from the University of Missouri and has dedicated her career to advancing understanding of foster and adoptive families, childhood trauma, resilience, child well-being, and trauma-informed care. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience as a former foster youth, Dr. Kilgore is passionate about improving systems of care and ensuring children and families receive the support they need to thrive. Prior to joining C.A.S.E., she served as Research and Special Projects Manager at the Children’s Defense Fund, where she focused on elevating the voices and experiences of children and families to inform child well-being research and practice.
