Kinnect

At Kinnect, we envision a child welfare system in Ohio where:

• Foster care is a temporary or short-term option
• Children and families are empowered to find solutions to the problems they face
• Direct service providers and social workers can establish and maintain a culture of innovation and excellence
• All stakeholders prioritize permanency in each decision made on behalf of a child and their family

We believe that childhood is a fundamental human right, and that every day for a child in foster care is a day in crisis. We envision a world where families, agencies, resources – and children – work together so that every child is loved and nurtured in a permanent chosen family. We develop partnerships that transform beliefs, values, and actions to achieve permanency for all children in the shortest time possible. We’ve been advancing this mission since 2005 (as Waiting Child Fund).

At Kinnect, we train and coach professionals in the child welfare/protection field. We partner with public and private agencies to bring innovative best practice programs to Ohio. We advocate for children and families in crisis, whether due to homelessness, substance abuse, mental health issues and/or similar challenges.

Our Approach:

• Assessment: We work with agency leadership to determine the current state of permanency practice within the organization. Our approach is designed to capture staff attitudes, beliefs, and practice behaviors to determine alignment with agency mission, vision, and culture.
• Teaming: We take both a top-down and bottom-up approach. Starting with the leadership team, we work to develop a collective vision upon which the desired permanency practice will be built. The leadership team is then joined by staff and supervisors to create a group of champions who will lead the change.
• Design: Building upon the assessment data and agency strengths, we facilitate the design of services which will increase the permanency outcomes for families and children. We incorporate existing agency initiatives with innovative permanency practice models from around the county.
• Implementation: Moving from design to implementation requires the creation of agency-specific materials and fidelity measures. Everyone at the agency must have a common framework for the new practice model of services. We help through initial education and communication and provide ongoing guidance and coaching.
• Evaluation and Support: Evaluation is conducted throughout the implementation process and is designed to provide support and feedback to improve outcomes. We take a qualitative and quantitative look at what is working, anticipated and unanticipated barriers, and help to implement the recommended changes.