Resource Library

Measures of mental health have dropped sharply in Western nations over the past decade, especially among youth. This era is marked by dis-integration, felt from the level of the individual soul to age-old institutions to the level of national and global affairs. Amid such fracturing, very ordinary Christian practices offer extraordinary gifts.  They are graces — both … Read more

For those interested in current developments in trauma-related research and how it may intersect with their day-to-day work, the CAFO Institute for Family-Centered Healing & Health has created this collaborative review working document of current trauma research. Trauma-informed care is an emerging and dynamic field. It is rich in opportunity for fresh exploration, discovery, application … Read more

A Christianity Today article by CAFO President, Jedd Medefind that explores the plight of the christian seeking to serve the most vulnerable among us. “Christians never look more like Jesus than when humbly serving amidst the world’s hurting–caring for orphans, battling trafficking, promoting urban renewal. But this good will inevitably be short-lived if rooted in … Read more

The Institute for Family-Centered Healing & Health will address the deeply-felt needs of foster and adoptive parents to nurture the healing and health of their children, rooted in Scripture and the best available research.

Innovate Local: Bridging Research and Customized Solutions Returning for its 11th consecutive year, this event will bring together academic researchers and faith-based NGOs serving vulnerable children and families around the world. Researchers will share insights on evidence-based interventions while leaders on the frontlines will discuss customized strategies tailored to local contexts. This event will be … Read more

Nutrition and mental health interact intimately. Across the lifespan, the developing human brain is profoundly impacted by what we eat. This resource provides research-based steps you can take that really make a difference in physical, mental and emotional health as it relates to healthy eating habits.

God designed us so that we grow and come alive as integrated beings – mind, body and spirit. As we engage the body in vigorous activity or even gentle movement, our mind, our emotions, and our spirit are more alert, more agile, and more well-off. This resource includes some sensible, easy ways to increase physical … Read more

The Scripture communicates that sleep is a gift from God, which we are invited to receive as part of a trusting relationship with God. We sleep knowing God doesn’t. This resource provides practical steps for how we can improve our sleep and help our children improve theirs.

Five easy guidelines to optimize your speaking experience and captivate your audience with clear and engaging content.

Membership in CAFO not only benefits your organization, it’s also a chance to grow and guide a movement together. In 2023, there are many ways to be an active part of this community! Discover new ways your organization can get involved, build your team, lend your expertise and find your community. As a CAFO member, … Read more

The CAFO Research Center invites you to submit a poster presentation to share your research focused on vulnerable children and/or families around the world! Applicants may be invited to create and share a poster as part of the CAFO Research Symposium 2024. All levels of researchers, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, research groups, and … Read more

Organizations don’t collaborate–people do. That means working with others to provide more than enough before, during, and beyond foster care in your community requires forming relationships built on trust. But how do you build that trust? Building Trust Together is a commitment document designed to shape how we all collaborate with fellow advocates, families, churches, … Read more