The Service Design Network honored Bloom's recent work creating kin-specific licensing standards with a Service Design Award.
"This project demonstrates what’s possible when design is used as an instrument of justice, not just efficiency," said Eliisa Sarkkinen, one of the judges.
The award was received on behalf of product managers, researchers, and designers at Bloom who contributed to the project: Hannah Herrington, Madeleine Chone, Angel Zhou, Sonya Silva, Katrina Lanahan, Anissa Peréz, Shelly Ronen, Holly Harridan, Asad Bandeali, Manu Kabahizi, and Josh Rubenoff.
About the work
The kin-specific licensing standards were informed by 430+ participants and 50+ child welfare agencies from across various U.S. states, territories, and tribes—including partners at Washington DCYF, Maryland DHS, and Tennessee DCS.
The kin-specific licensing standards were validated by leading national child welfare organizations and published as the Recommended Standards of National Organizations for Kin-specific Foster Home Approval.
State partners have reported that the new standards save money, time, and stress for both families and caseworkers. And most importantly, they help keep children with their families and communities, where they have better outcomes.
Since the standards were rolled out, every state and at least 5 tribes have expressed interest in adopting or have already adopted them.
The team is grateful to kin caregivers, case workers, program staff, foster youth, and advocates across the country who have both contributed and expanded on this work.
