A Network for Connection, Healing, and Ongoing Resources

The Administration for Children and Families, through the Children’s Bureau, is seeking qualified organizations to develop, implement, and evaluate a national demonstration program offering post-adoption support services to birth parents who have voluntarily placed their children for private domestic adoption. This initiative, titled A Network for Connection, Healing, and Ongoing Resources, is grounded in the belief that the long-term well-being of birth parents is critical to the overall health of adoptive families and the adoption system. The program will provide tailored support such as peer-led support groups, counseling, resource navigation, and other trauma-informed services aimed at fostering emotional healing and social connection. A rigorous evaluation framework is integral to the project, designed to identify evidence-based practices and measurable outcomes that demonstrate improved adjustment and mental health among birth parents. The selected recipient will be responsible for designing a scalable service model that can be replicated by other entities across the country, with an emphasis on accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and sustainability. The project must adhere to a clear timeline with performance metrics tied to participant outcomes and program fidelity. All activities are expected to align with the broader mission of the Administration for Children and Families to enhance the social well-being of families and individuals. Interested applicants must submit responses by August 6, 2026, and inquiries should be directed to the designated point of contact through the provided email and phone number. The initiative does not set aside funding for specific categories of applicants and is open to organizations capable of executing a complex, nationwide demonstration with robust evaluation components.