The Imprint

We’re Making Progress Getting Rid of The ‘Orphan Tax.’ Now Let’s Talk About the ‘Reunification Ransom.’

In 2021, NPR and its reporting partners exposed two routine, pernicious practices involving child welfare systems and money that should have stayed with children and/or their families. Neither ...
The Imprint

Georgia Governor Hopeful Reflects on Adoption Journey, Calls For Investment in Foster Care System

Keisha Lance Bottoms in Atlanta. Photo by Cindy Elizabeth for The Imprint. Keisha Lance Bottoms rose at 3:30 a.m. on a recent ...
The Imprint

As New York Governor’s Race Draws Close, Child Welfare Commissioner Highlights Hochul’s Investments for Children and Families

Days before the Nov. 3 election, NY’s child welfare commissioner touted Gov. Kathy Hochul’s efforts impacting children and ...
The Imprint

‘Hidden Homelessness’: Researchers Cite Growing Number of Unhoused Babies and Toddlers

Roughly half a million U.S. babies and toddlers experienced homelessness and housing instability in recent years, according ...
The Imprint

Oregon Needs More Youth ‘Respite’ Homes, but Funding Problems Stand in the Way

The closure of one Southern Oregon facility highlights barriers to expanding care for kids with complex behavioral health needs.
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Georgia Lawmakers Wrap Up Probe Into Child Welfare Spending and Will Release Final Report Later This Year

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services Director Candice Broce at the final hearing Thursday on her agency’s ...
The Imprint

Trump’s Top Child Welfare Official Speaks

In June, the Trump administration hired Jerry Milner to lead the federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that oversees federal child welfare funding and policy. The ...
The Imprint

Minnesota’s New Foster Youth Ombuds Grew Up in the System and Vows to Help Others Like Her

Misty Coonce, Minnesota’s new ombudsperson for foster youth. Provided photo. Growing up with four older siblings and an adoptive mom and dad, Misty Coonce played the role of mediator and protector at ...
The Imprint

Three New Hires at the Administration for Children and Families

The Administration for Children and Families headquarters. Photo by Michael Fitzgerald for The Imprint. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has added three new leaders to the team in ...
The Imprint

Short-Staffed New York Juvenile Facilities Place Detained Youth at Risk, State Investigation Finds

An entrance to the Brookwood Secure Center for Youth in upstate New York. Photo by Steven Yoder. Self-harm, drugs and violent incidents have skyrocketed in some of New York’s locked juvenile ...