We are Better Together: National Adoption Month Webinar Panel

National Adoption Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of permanency and the lifelong relationships that help children and youth thrive.

This panel will explore what it takes to move beyond placement and toward meaningful, lasting connections for youth in foster care. Bringing together perspectives from across the child welfare field and former youth in foster care rather than focusing solely on the legal process of adoption, the conversation will examine the broader permanency continuum, including recruitment, mentorship, adoption, family preparation, and post-placement support.

The conversation will highlight the importance of seeing each child and youth as an individual, including honoring their identity, culture, history, and existing relationships. Panelists will share lessons learned, address common misconceptions about adoption and permanency, discuss barriers within the system, and offer practical insights for individuals considering adoption or other meaningful ways to support children and youth.

Our panelists bring a diverse range of experiences, expertise, and perspectives to the conversation. Together, they will explore what it takes to move beyond placement and toward meaningful, lasting connections. Kidsave’s own Shantay Armstrong, Manager of the EMBRACE Project, will moderate the discussion, creating space for each panelist to share their perspective and respond to one another.

Our Panelists

• Laura, Author of First-Time Fostering
• Misty Flowers, Senior Child Welfare Fellow, National Indian Child Welfare Association
• Elijah Mirasol, Former Kidsave Youth
• Rob Scheer, Founder & CEO, Comfort Cases
• Audrey Shelby, Kinship Adoptee, Consultant and Professor, The Strategic Vision Consulting and USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
• Rita Soronen, President & CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
• Randi Thompson, Adoptive Mom, Co-Founder & CEO, Kidsave