Family Finding Outcomes

See also ...

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Community Services' Family Finding program, which has been in existence since 2008, has achieved some very positive outcomes. Establishing a relationship with just one family member can make a difference in the life of a child who is in out-of-home care. Positive outcomes the program realized since inception include:

Angela, a 6-year-old girl, had spent much of her life in foster care. Family Finding efforts led to the discovery and involvement of her paternal great aunt and uncle. Angela was moved to their home after background checks were complete and within 6 months they had been awarded guardianship.

Michael is a 23-month-old boy who had spent nearly his entire life in the foster care system. A relative was recently discovered and now is considering taking permanent guardianship.

Olivia is a 17-year-old who has been in treatment foster care for several years. All of her siblings had been adopted or were cared for by family members. Olivia was isolated from family. Through this program, she was able to learn family stories and made family connections that kept her from feeling isolated.

Monique is 16-year-old girl who lives in residential treatment facility. She has been in out-of-home care for most of her life. Monique was committed to learning and being involved with her maternal family. Through the program she learned numerous family stories and made family connections. A great aunt was located and she is building a relationship with Monique.

Robert is a 17-year-old who lives in a group home and had lost contact with all of his relatives. His mom was deceased and the whereabouts of his father was unknown. He hadn't visited with any relatives for more than five years. Family Finding was able to locate his grandmother, several siblings and a few distant cousins. Robert contacted his family and has gained a sense of belonging that had been lost.

Sierra is a 16-year-old who had lost contact with all her relatives except sporadic contact with one sibling. She had not seen her mother in 10 years. Through Family Finding, her mom contacted her and they developed a relationship. An aunt and uncle also were discovered and they began a relationship with Sierra.

Funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau, Grant #90-CF-0016/01. The contents of this website do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the funders, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. This information is in the public domain. Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Community Services.