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Who We Are
Our mission is to empower families navigating the complexities of child welfare and adoption, providing resources and connections to help families thrive.
We envision a future where every family is resilient and feels connected to a supportive community.
Together, we can ensure every family has the connections, resources, and support they need to overcome challenges and build resilient, thriving futures.
Rooted in Advocacy
The Coalition for Children, Youth & Families was born from the power of family advocacy. In 1982, a group of foster and adoptive parents channeled their firsthand experience into action, concerned about children waiting too long for permanent families. Their compelling testimony at a Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Hearing secured funding for the state’s first adoption photo listing service.
From Grassroots to Statewide Impact
Under founding Executive Director Colleen Ellingson’s leadership in 1983, this grassroots initiative evolved into an independent organization. Over the past four decades, the Coalition has amplified family voices and transformed child welfare support across Wisconsin.
Empowering Families Today
What began as a small group of passionate advocates has grown into a trusted organization that empowers families throughout Wisconsin with the connections, resources, and support they need to thrive. We remain an independent voice and resource for those navigating the complexities of child welfare and adoption—still guided by the vision of those founding families.
Our Guiding Principles
We create a welcoming and inclusive environment where families find the resources and relationships they need to thrive. By connecting families to comprehensive support networks, we ensure no one navigates complex situations alone.
We provide a safe, judgment-free space where families can express their concerns and find guidance. Understanding that each journey is unique, we meet families where they are, offering compassionate support and practical resources to help them move forward with confidence.
We combine professional knowledge with personal understanding. Our staff brings both extensive training and first-hand experience with adoption, kinship, and non-kinship care, allowing us to offer trusted guidance that reflects real-world wisdom and contemporary best practices.
As an independent organization, we amplify family voices within the child welfare system. Our deep partnerships with child and family-serving agencies enable us to develop solutions that ensure all families are heard, understood, and supported.
Our Approach
Our comprehensive approach ensures that no family walks their journey alone.
The Coalition serves as Wisconsin’s trusted, independent ally for families navigating child welfare and adoption. We provide immediate, accessible support through our Resource Specialists, build family confidence through evidence-based training, create lasting support networks through deep community partnerships, and advocate for system improvements that help all families thrive.
Think of the Coalition as both a vital support system for families and a sound investment in Wisconsin’s future.
When you support our work, you’re enabling our compassionate staff to be fully present for families, listen without judgment, and connect them to resources best suited for their unique needs. Our warm, inclusive approach inspires hope in those who may feel confused or lost, creating lasting positive impacts that strengthen entire communities and benefit generations to come.
Join Our Mission
The Coalition’s work touches countless lives across Wisconsin, but we can’t do it alone. By joining our mission, you become part of a powerful movement that strengthens families and transforms communities.
If you’re navigating child welfare or adoption, we’re here for you. Our resources, expert guidance, and compassionate support are just a connection away. You don’t have to do this alone — we’re ready to walk alongside you every step of the way..
Your contribution—whether through donation, partnership, or volunteering—directly empowers families during their most challenging moments. Every dollar invested creates ripple effects that strengthen Wisconsin’s families for generations to come.