In the News

Out Front

We are leaders in the use of innovative tools and methods to get better results for the children and families we serve. View recent media coverage of FamilyForward’s work to advance safer, healthier relationships below.

KSDK Covers Organizations Offering Support to Foster Families 

2.23.2023

FamilyForward was featured in an article by KSDK highlighting organizations in the St. Louis area that provide support and vital resources to Missouri foster families. Read the article to learn more about the important work we do here at FamilyForward.

Fox News Covers Increase in Child Abuse And Neglect Reports

2.21.2023

FamilyForward’s Chief Program Officer, Sharon Skidmore Stern, sat down with national Fox News reporter, Madison Scarpino, to discuss the rise of child abuse and neglect reports nationwide. Watch the full interview to learn more about the systemic challenges contributing to these devastating trends and the urgency of FamilyForward’s mission.

Project 5 on Your Side Covers FamilyForward’s Developmental Trauma Center

1.17.2023

FamilyForward Chief Development Officer, Jessica Dederer, sat down with Justina Coronel at KSDK News to talk about our new Developmental Trauma Center and what it means for the St. Louis community. Watch the interview for the full story.

The Home Loan Expert and woom bikes partner to kick off the holiday season

The Home Loan Expert and Austin-based bike company teamed up to provide 65 bicycles for children we support.

Kids who gathered at FamilyForward earlier this month to pick up their bikes were treated to a bouncy house, DJ, riding lessons, snacks, and an obstacle course.

Cycling is fun and helps children master balancing and peddling, laugh, and have fun while creating memories that last a lifetime. 

Watch the video of the fun that was had by all who participated!

Project 5 on Your Side Covers FamilyForward Therapeutic Garden

9.12.2021

Volunteers from Alberici Constructors and KSDK – 5 On Your Side joined FamilyForward to help transform an open space near our South city location into a beautiful therapeutic garden. The garden will be used by the children and families we support, as well as staff. Watch the story of this amazing transformation.

Important Legislation for Children and Families Monitored in Post-Dispatch
1.12.2021

FamilyForward’s support of Missouri House Bills 429 and 430 was mentioned in Maria Benevento’s piece about proposed financial help for foster and adoptive parents that would go into effect at the beginning of 2022. Read the article for the full story.

St. Louis County CSF Shares Developmental Trauma Center Impact 
12.29.2020 

Our partners at Children’s Service Fund talked with FamilyForward’s Chief Executive Officer Karen Nolte, LCSW and Chief Program Officer Rachel Neukirch, LCSW about the brain science behind behavior and the expanded services offered through our Developmental Trauma Center. Read their 2018-2019 Annual Report to learn how CSF’s funding support helps us formulate better insights and achieve better outcomes for children and families. 

Education and Training Highlighted on the Front Page of Post-Dispatch
12.16.2019

Taylor Tiamoyo Harris wrote about adoptive parents and foster parents learning they need a new approach to nurture children who have experienced trauma. Guided by a trauma-informed, developmentally sensitive approach, FamilyForward is proud to support the child, family, and broader community. Read the article for the full story.

Karen Nolte and Jessica Dederer Interviewed by Kelley Hoskins on KTVI
11.16.2019

Kelley Hoskins interviewed FamilyForward’s Chief Executive Officer Karen Nolte, LCSW and Chief Development Officer Jessica Dederer, MHA about our comprehensive services and famous annual dinner auction, The Rocket Ball. Watch the interview for the full story.

United Way of Greater St. Louis Features FamilyForward in “An Innovative Approach to Navigating the Effects of Trauma” 
3.15.2019

As part of their focus on collaborative innovation, the United Way highlighted how FamilyForward is transforming the way we understand and treat the long-term effects of childhood trauma in our Therapeutic Preschool using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). Read the story to learn how we support children, families, and other professionals empathetically with tailored treatment plans.

YouthBridge Awards FamilyForward $100,000 to Think Big for Kids
1.31.2019

FamilyForward is a 2019 recipient of a YouthBridge Think Big for Kids $100,000 grant to expand the reach of our Developmental Trauma Center, which leads the region in the innovative treatment of childhood trauma. Read YouthBridge’s profile of FamilyForward’s big idea to better serve children and youth in our community.

Boeing Announces Nearly a Quarter-Billion Dollars in Corporate Giving in 2018
11.19.2018

U.S. grants will support a range of non-profits, including FamilyForward, to improve the health, development, and overall wellbeing of youth living in our community. The $130,000 award will go a long way in providing critical support to North St. Louis County families who are struggling with challenges related to safety, social connectedness, and stability. Read The Boeing Company’s press release to learn more.

Rachel Neukirch Interviewed by Kay Quinn on KSDK
3.14.2018

Kay Quinn interviewed FamilyForward’s Chief Program Officer Rachel Neukirch, LCSW about our leading role in understanding and treating childhood trauma. Watch the interview for the full story.

Dr. Bruce Perry Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey on 60 Minutes
3.11.2018

Oprah Winfrey interviewed Dr. Bruce Perry about the long-term effects of childhood trauma. Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, ChildTrauma Academy Founder and Senior Fellow, is an internationally renowned psychiatrist and a leading authority on childhood trauma. His clinical research over the last 25 years has resulted in the development of innovative clinical practices and programs, most prominently the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). FamilyForward was the first agency in the St. Louis region to become site certified in NMT by the ChildTrauma Academy in 2015. Watch the interview for the full story.