Family Finding is a program run by Turning Points for Children that helps families connect or reconnect within Philadelphia’s child welfare system. We locate, engage, and connect family and supports for a child or youth who has experienced a disruption from their family and natural supports systems.
Our goal is to connect them with a network of supportive adults to increase their sense of belonging and help develop permanent relationships, which build resilience for youth in or at-risk of being in foster care. With support or connection found through Family Finding, youth are at decreased risk for incarceration, mental and physical health challenges, and homelessness in adulthood.
Since 2010, we have located almost 200,000 connections, and 24,000 of them became a permanent fixture in the child’s life. 95% of referrals result in at least one support identified to build a larger network of care.
Who's eligible?
Children and youth (birth to 21 years old) with a DHS worker
Why Family Finding Works and Why Make a Referral
Connects Youth to Family: Could help a young person move from general foster care to kinship care
Combats Loneliness: Loneliness can be devastating, even dangerous, and is experienced by most children in out of home care
Provides Sense of Belonging: Maintain connections to cultural & familial roots
Builds Relationships: Help surround child/young person with long-term supportive adults
How to Make a Referral
CUA and DHS workers can refer through DHS Connect Applications --> FGDM / Family Finding
