Event Summary

On March 31, AEI hosted a discussion on child welfare priorities, moderated by AEI’s Naomi Schaefer Riley. Experts Jedd Medefind of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Rachel N. Morrison of the Ethics & Public Policy Center, Darcy Olsen of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, and Tom Rawlings of Child Welfare & Justice Transformation examined how to reform a system facing a decline in foster homes and competing priorities between family reunification and child protection.

Panelists emphasized the importance of distinguishing between “complex poverty”—which involves substance abuse and mental illness—and material poverty alone. They debated the appropriate balance between federal oversight and state innovation, with some panelists advocating for stronger federal accountability while others cautioned against regulatory overreach.

Key recommendations included mandatory legal representation for children, reconceptualizing foster parents as partners rather than “hired hands,” expanding permanency options, changing accountability metrics, and improving the distribution of $11 billion in federal funding.

The conversation ultimately underscored the urgent need to realign policy decisions with their fundamental purpose: ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable children. The event concluded with an audience Q&A.

—Hadar Zeevi

Event Description

As a new administration takes office, questions arise about what its child welfare priorities should be. How can we better protect vulnerable children? How can we improve foster care? From improving foster care outcomes to advancing policies that promote safety, stability, and permanency, the path forward is complex and urgent.

In this panel discussion, AEI’s Naomi Schaefer Riley will moderate a conversation with Jedd Medefind of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Rachel N. Morrison of the Ethics & Public Policy Center, Darcy Olsen of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, and Tom Rawlings of Child Welfare & Justice Transformation. Together, they will explore key reforms, the role of federal leadership, and strategies to ensure child welfare remains a national priority.

Agenda

3:30 p.m.
Registration Opens

4:00 p.m.
Opening Remarks:
Naomi Schaefer Riley, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

4:05 p.m.
Panel Discussion

Panelists:
Jedd Medefind, President, Christian Alliance for Orphans
Rachel N. Morrison, Fellow, Ethics & Public Policy Center
Darcy Olsen, Founder, Center for the Rights of Abused Children
Tom Rawlings, CEO, Child Welfare & Justice Transformation

Moderator:
Naomi Schaefer Riley, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

5:00 p.m.
Q&A

5:15 p.m.
Adjournment