Through the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's Wendy's Wonderful Kids® program, adoption recruiters use an evidence-based, child-focused model to find the right family for every child. Conducting a diligent search of a child's network — including family, friends, teachers, coaches, neighbors, etc. — is a key component of the model. Hear from Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiter Macie about this process of making connections on the path to legal permanency. 

Part 4 of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Family Ties series based on a survey of state child welfare administrators. This resource examines state policies and strategies for identifying, notifying, and supporting kinship caregivers, as well as the availability of kinship navigator programs in each state.