FFTA-For the Good of Families

01/28/2026

The Dr. Laura Boyd 2026 Champion for Children & Families Award Call for Nominations deadline is quickly approaching (February 20th). Nominations should highlight specific activities undertaken by the nominee during the last year, that go above and beyond routine work. Examples of impactful policy engagement include:
1️⃣ Work that influences creation or amendment of impactful laws, rules, and policies.
2️⃣ Initiatives such as public service announcements, social media campaigns, and community events that raise awareness.
3️⃣ Establishing partnerships with government agencies to collaborate on policies, share expertise, and contribute to the development of effective and responsive services and programs.
4️⃣ Conducting and disseminating research to support policy changes, program improvements, and resource allocation.
5️⃣ Securing funding for essential services, such as mental health support, educational resources, and community-based programs.

Learn more about submitting a nomination and award details here: https://www.ffta.org/page/ChampionForChildren2026!

01/27/2026

The human services workforce doesn't just need more people. It needs intentional support. Every day you show up and give your all for children, families, and communities. Organizations are searching for dedicated professionals. People are searching for meaningful, sustainable careers. And the systems that support you need additional tools to grow and thrive. That's why our Career Center exists! This isn't just about filling roles. It's about building a healthier, more connected workforce so, those who serve others can feel supported to! Explore the Career Center today to look for job opportunities, post openings, and access practical resources, strategies, and insights: www.ffta.org/page/CareerCenter!

01/26/2026

Families first, always. Esteemed Corporate Sponsor, Pressley Ridge, has unveiled its bold vision for a family-centered child welfare system – one that prioritizes keeping families together, supporting kinship caregivers and innovating foster care with evidence-based models.

From expanding family preservation programs to launching an AI-powered app for foster parents, Pressley Ridge is leading the way in creating a more equitable, responsive system of care. With over 70 programs across 7 states and a transformative five-year strategic plan, the organization is shaping the future of child welfare.

As President & CEO Susanne Cole shares:“For all children to thrive, our impact must extend far beyond the current scope of Pressley Ridge programs and services.”

Read more about how Pressley Ridge is building stronger families and communities:

To remain relevant in this evolving landscape, human services organizations like Pittsburgh-based Pressley Ridge must continually adapt. Founded nearly 200 years ago as an orphanage, Pressley Ridge is now a …

01/23/2026

Today is the last day to register for our January , which takes a closer look at the Bipartisan Policy Center’s new blueprint for modernizing federal child and family financing and accountability. The report has generated discussion across the field, and this session offers a chance to hear directly from the people who helped shape it. This webinar is open to all who are interested in the future of federal child welfare policy. Join us!
https://www.ffta.org/event/Bipartisan

01/22/2026

is excited to welcome its newest member - Our Community Our Kids.

Our Community Our Kids (OCOK) has provided a continuum of services for children in the Texas foster care system of the Metroplex West since 2014. Our Community Our Kids believes that abused and neglected children that live in their community belong in their community. To accomplish this goal, OCOK: maintains the safety of children while they are in their care, keeps children within 50 miles of their home communities, reduces the number of times children are moved between foster homes, and keeps siblings together.

Learn more here: https://ourcommunity-ourkids.org.

01/21/2026

We're one month into the launch of our new Career Center, and 31 opportunities are currently waiting for you! Now is the perfect time to explore what's available! This week, we're highlighting two newly posted roles from family-serving organizations committed to strengthening children, families, and communities. 💼💙 ✨

Direct links to the job opportunities listed in the graphic are in the caption below. Access to additional roles can be found here: https://www.fftaconnect.org/opportunities!

01/20/2026

For four decades, the FFTA Annual Conference has brought leaders, practitioners, and partners together to leverage shared knowledge and showcase proven solutions that advance the well-being of children, families, and communities. Dynamic workshops, presentations, and networking experiences foster collaboration and innovation while equipping individuals and organizations with the tools to strengthen their impact. As we gather in Chicago this year from July 7 - 10, 2026, we're embracing not only the city as a destination, but its rich cultural legacy, bringing an experience that reflects the spirit, history, and unmistakable energy of such an iconic city.

**Learn more here: www.ffta.org/Conference26! Sending a group of 10 or more attendees? Please reach out to akoscielny@ffta.org.

01/15/2026

Family has always been at the core of our work. It is our history and remains our anchor. We care deeply about children and communities, and it’s our family-focused lens that distinguishes and guides how we show up alongside you. No matter your role, we hope you see yourself reflected here—most importantly, in the work we do together. Our purpose is to be the trusted resource, advocate, and connector that advances wellness for all families and communities, and we are committed to strengthening your organization, advancing the field, and supporting you as we individually and collectively make a difference for the good of families. We just want to thank you for being part of this community and for the work you do every day!

01/09/2026

is excited to welcome its newest member - Marygrove.

Marygrove, a ministry of Catholic Charities of St. Louis, enriches the lives of over one hundred youth each year, ages birth-21, through a broad continuum of residential and community-based programming and wraparound services, including therapeutic residential treatment and foster care, transitional and independent living, special education and recreational therapy, family counseling, and parenting education.

Learn more here: https://marygrovechildren.org.

01/08/2026

Are you looking for meaningful work during this new year? Family-serving organizations across the country are actively looking for passionate professionals ready to make an impact. Whether you are currently working in human services or interested in joining the field, your next opportunity could be right here! 💼💙 ✨

Direct links to each job opportunity in our graphic are in the caption below. Access to additional roles can be found here: https://www.fftaconnect.org/opportunities!

01/05/2026

For nearly two decades, the FFTA Public Policy Institute has united family-serving professionals, passionate champions, lived-experts, cross-sector partners, and community stakeholders to advance policies that prioritize the well-being of children, families, and communities. Dr. Laura Boyd spearheaded these impactful events for years, as just one of her many contributions to FFTA and our sector. Dr. Boyd is truly a champion for children and families. Although Dr. Boyd has retired from her work at FFTA, she remains a dear friend and inspiration to us all. As such we recognize her spirit, tenacity, and dedication to this important work by announcing our Dr. Laura Boyd 2026 Champion for Children & Families Award Call for Nominations.

Learn more about submitting a nomination and award details here: www.ffta.org/ChampionForChildren2026! The deadline is February 20th.