Applications now open for 2026-2028 CTAA cohort
After two years of training, learning and real-world practice, a new cohort has graduated from the Care Transition Accelerator Academy (CTAA) at CAFO.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside this group of leaders as they learn and grow together, and now lead others in their community toward family-based care,” said Nicole Wilke, director of the CAFO Research Center.
CTAA is a two-year program designed to equip leaders in care reform. Student fellows learn from over 30 faculty members from leading organizations and universities, with instruction in the first year followed by a second-year mentored practicum. The practicum provides real-world experience accompanying a residential care program as they transition to family care. Upon graduation, fellows become certified care transition coaches ready to train and lead others in moving toward family solutions for children where they live.
CTAA graduates multiply impact worldwide
The second graduating class of CTAA fellows was able to successfully guide 13 residential care programs in 13 nations to embrace family for the children. In total, the group moved 861 children from institutions to family care.
“The impact of this group of graduating students is beyond even what we had hoped,” said Wilke. “Our vision is to see a certified care transition coach in every nation around the world, guiding organizations in their journey to family care. This group of graduates is already making an incredible difference in their communities.”
In a recent virtual graduation ceremony, students shared personal testimonies about their experiences and lessons learned.
Elizabeth Mark, a recent graduate of CTAA from Nigeria, shared that she used to believe residential care was the only option available for children facing difficult circumstances.
“I have been equipped to become a changemaker in my country, to advocate that children should be in families,” she said. “I used to think orphanages were the only option for children to be safe or to thrive, but I’ve come to realize and to know first-hand that families are possible and they are the best place for children.”
One of the most consistent themes shared about the impact of the cohort was the importance of community.
Leaders from different countries and contexts face similar challenges. This was the first time many of these leaders had space to share ideas and learn from one another about the process of care reform.
Somaiaah Kodali, a care transition leader in India, has worked with multiple organizations in care transition prior to joining CTAA. He shared that the program helped him identify gaps in his previous work and gave him clearer guidance on how to begin and lead transition efforts.
“It is not just doing the work, but it is building the people and investing in their lives,” Kodali said. “It changed me a lot.”
He also emphasized that the program strengthened his coaching approach and reinforced his belief that children should grow up in families, not institutions.
Wilke said this graduating class marks an important step forward in global care reform.
“The work ahead is complex,” she said. “It will require patience and partnership to see movement toward better care, but this group of graduates gives me so much hope that over time, we will see more children given the opportunity to grow up in safe, loving families around the world.”
CTAA Now Accepting Applications for 2026-2028 Cohort
Are you actively working in care reform and interested in growing in both knowledge and practice? Apply today for the next CTAA Cohort! Applications are open now until June 9, 2026.
