Family Finding
Every Child Deserves One Caring Adult
Every child has a family; they can be found if we try.
Loneliness can be devastating, even dangerous and is experienced by most children in out-of-home care.
A meaningful connection to family helps a child develop a sense of belonging.
The single factor most closely associated with positive outcomes for children is a meaningful, lifelong connection to family.
Family Finding core beliefs at MACF are that:
MACF's Family Finding Services
Family finding focuses on identifying, locating and connecting youth in out-of-home care with relatives and permanent support networks to provide lasting support. Using the Family Finding Model and 3-5-7 Model®, the team helps youth explore family relationships. MACF’s Family Finding and Engagement team also works with youth enrolled in Specialized Care to understand their personal histories and build networks of lifelong connections. The team collaborates closely with youth, families, care managers and community partners, approaching this work with urgency, persistence and a commitment to ensuring every young person has meaningful and enduring relationships.
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OUTCOME:
Eighty-seven percent of youth who received diligent search and engagement efforts in 2025 had an increase in lifelong connections
Family & Youth
Testimonials
From grandmother Donna Edwards:
“I would like to take the time to reach out to the alliance employees that have been a blessing in mine and Seth's life and helped me find him after so many years. I never knew this organization existed till MACF called me the first time. I was overwhelmed with joy. And thru the time I have been working to bring my grandson into his family, I have met and received so much need support. I admire the caseworkers. They are honest and diligent with the way they do their work ... as well as compassionate about their job ... I can't say enough about how I really love the involvement they put into seeing that Seth found his family. I also want to thank everyone that has been by our side thru the process ... I only pray that other families that are searching for their loved ones know about MACF ... as I said, I can't say enough about how great the support everyone has giving Seth and I.”
From father JS:
“My family is grateful for MACF and everyone who helped get my daughter back home. She had been gone for over 6 years, despite our efforts to even be able to talk with her. Kerry with Family Finding was the first social worker in years to connect with me and listen to my story. MACF advocated with other agencies and the court to have us involved. She was living on the other side of the state and had been in multiple residential placements. She was having serious challenges with running away and fighting. Since she returned home, those behaviors stopped. She’s happier and knows she is loved. “