Reflecting on Two Years of Progress and Partnership
Reflecting on Two Years of Progress and Partnership
Letter from the Director of the National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services
As we mark two years since the founding of the National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services, I am proud of the remarkable progress we have made toward our vision: ensuring every child and family who has experienced the child welfare system can truly thrive
Our mission is clear—strengthening the capacity of States, Tribes, and Territories to deliver adoption-competent, trauma-informed, and responsive mental health services. We believe that three essential pillars unlock better outcomes for families:
- Workforce Development
- Access to Adoption-Competent Care
- Cross-System Collaboration
Through our work, we raise awareness about the importance of care that recognizes the impact of child welfare experience and helps families to heal. Professionals must be equipped to understand and address the effects of early trauma, separation, and loss, meeting the complex needs of children and families with empathy and expertise.
Building a Network and Expanding Access
Creating a network of adoption competent professionals is critical, but our commitment goes further. We strive for a future where every child, youth, and family has access to adoption competent mental health care. Access to mental health care remains a national challenge and for this population, the challenge is even greater. We actively explore and implement creative strategies to dismantle a variety of access barriers.
Collaboration across systems amplifies our impact, supports sustainability, and ensures families get the support they need. We are honored to partner with dedicated professionals nationwide who embrace our mission and drive local action.
Achievements and Impact
In our first year, we focused on building a strong foundation. We assembled a diverse team of experts, launched our website and Knowledge Hub, and developed outreach and engagement strategies to partner with in States, Tribes, and Territories to advance adoption competency in their systems.
Our second year brought measurable impact. Children and families received services from an ever-increasing adoption competent network of providers. These newly trained professionals were equipped to effectively support the needs of children and families. We shared 24 new content pieces, hosted monthly webinars, and expanded our newsletters and social campaigns to increase awareness. Our Knowledge Hub has become a trusted resource for guidance and tools.
Our Intensive Technical Assistance work has been transformative. We are now partnering with Oklahoma, Illinois, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Michigan and the Navajo Nation, each developing innovative models for advancing adoption competency that is tailored to their local context. We are excited as we begin to develop replicable strategies that can be applied to future STT engagements.
Looking Ahead
As we enter our third year, our goals remain clear:
- Build and sustain cross-system collaboration
- Enhance workforce adoption competence
- Expand access to adoption-competent mental health services
Together with Federal partners, States, Tribes, Territories, and leaders with lived experience, we are creating a more compassionate and effective system of care.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to this vital work. Adoption-competent care doesn’t just change lives today—it shapes the future for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Mary Wichansky
National Center Director, National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services