Child welfare advocacy | Education | Research
InventingNormal explores the conversations we should be having about adoption, foster care, and child welfare. Through research, historical context, and lived experiences, we challenge conventional narratives, encourage informed discussion, and examine alternatives that prioritize children and families.
Challenging Narratives. Centering Children. Inspiring Change.
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Extraordinary claims deserve credible evidence, and asking someone to cite their sources shouldn't end a conversation. It should improve it. Explore the research, historical records, and supporting documentation behind the information shared by InventingNormal and many adult adoptees online. Because informed advocacy begins with facts, not the volume of someone's comment section.
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Have a question, a resource to share, or an idea for collaboration? I'd love to hear from you. While I do my best to keep up with messages across social media, some inevitably slip through the cracks. Here's how to reach me directly and ensure your message finds its way to the right inbox.
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For years, InventingNormal has been a personally funded effort dedicated to advocacy, education, and supporting children and families. Your contributions help sustain and expand that work. Whether you're interested in supporting our mission, contributing to our website bill, or simply buying staff a cup of coffee, every contribution is appreciated, and none is ever expected.
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Navigating child welfare shouldn't require a treasure map. Our nationwide directory connects you with state child welfare agencies, making it easier to locate resources, explore foster parenting and respite care opportunities, and learn how to support children and families in your community.
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Becoming a foster parent involves more than opening your home. It requires preparation, education, and an understanding of the responsibilities involved. Explore foster parent training requirements across the United States and discover how expectations vary from state to state.
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Big questions deserve thoughtful answers. From common misconceptions about adoption to the complexities of foster care and family preservation, our FAQs explore the questions that frequently arise in conversations about child welfare. Before heading to the comments section, take a look. Your question might already have an answer, and that answer might surprise you.