Healing Starts with History: The History of Child Welfare in America

This Foster Care Awareness Month gathering is an opportunity to better understand the history of child welfare in America while creating intentional space for healing and reflection.

The event will begin with a conversation and training led by Kelis Houston, followed by Q&A and a facilitated grounding and processing space with Dr. Aja King. Because the topic may bring up strong emotions or memories, the event includes a dedicated reflection space for Foster Leaders after Community Allies transition out.

Join Foster Advocates for a powerful conversation and training on the history of child welfare in America. This event will create space for learning, reflection, grounding, and processing with Kelis Houston and Dr. Aja King during Foster Care Awareness Month.

The History of Child Welfare Conversation and Training invites Foster Leaders and Community Allies into a reflective and educational space centered on the origins and impact of the child welfare system in America. Led by Kelis Houston, the training will explore the historical roots of child welfare and how that legacy continues to shape foster care today.

Following the conversation and Q&A, Dr. Aja King will hold a grounding, processing, and reflection space designed to support participants as they engage with the heaviness of the topic. This event is intentionally structured to offer both learning and care, with a dedicated reflection space for Foster Leaders after Community Allies transition out.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 10:45 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: EquaSpace, 3rd Floor
Hosted by: Foster Advocates
Facilitators: Kelis Houston and Dr. Aja King

• A historical conversation and training on child welfare in America.
• A Q&A with Kelis Houston.
• Grounding, processing, and reflection space facilitated by Dr. Aja King.
• A separate reflection space for Foster Leaders.
• Time for connection and event wrap-up at the end.

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