Let It Be Us Receives One-Year Grant from The Gies Foundation to Expand Adoption Recruitment in Illinois

• Press
• June 29, 2026

Let It Be Us Receives One-Year Grant from The Gies Foundation to Expand Adoption Recruitment in Illinois Barrington, Illinois — Let It Be Us is pleased to announce that it […]

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What Does a Therapeutic Foster Parent Look Like

• Foster Parent Education
• June 25, 2026

What Does a Therapeutic Foster Parent Look Like? By Cathy Newbury, Director of Foster Home Recruitment with Let It Be Us As a foster parent for nearly 20 years, I’ve […]

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A Heartfelt Letter from our Founder and Executive Director – I Need Your Help

• Foster Parent Education
• June 4, 2026

Dear Licensed or Potential Foster Families, Can I be honest with you for a minute? I have a doctorate in social work. I have spent decades now in child welfare. […]

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Thank You! You Made a Difference at The 2026 ‘Be Mine’ Gala

• Latest News
• June 2, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Illinois Is Moving Forward: A Look Inside the 2nd Annual Let It Be Us Adoption Symposium

• Latest News
• May 27, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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I See It Every Time: The Quiet Greatness of People Who Open Their Homes to Children

• Latest News
• May 22, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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May 2026 Newsletter

• Latest News
• May 12, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Measuring What Matters: Outcomes, Accountability, and the Future of Permanency

• Latest News
• May 11, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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The Heart of the Home: Celebrating the Mothers Who Foster

• Latest News
• May 8, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Why Matching Is the Most Undervalued Lever in Child Welfare

• Latest News
• May 7, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Stronger Together Expanding Foster Family Recruitment in Central Illinois

• Latest News
• April 29, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Permanency Is Not a Policy Goal. It Is a Life Outcome.

• Latest News
• April 27, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Why Conversation Is the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy in Foster Care and Adoption

• Latest News
• April 22, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Open Your Home. Change a Life. Foster with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI)

• Latest News
• April 15, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Why Become a Foster Parent with Arden Shore Child and Family Services

• Latest News
• April 15, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. We Know What Works – Now We Must Act.

• Latest News
• April 13, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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The Power of a Portrait: How One Image Can Help a Child Find a Family

• Latest News
• February 24, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Let It Be Us Launches Foster Home Recruitment Pilot with Arden Shore Child and Family Services

• Press
• February 23, 2026

Let It Be Us Launches Foster Home Recruitment Pilot with Arden Shore Child and Family Services Let It Be Us is proud to announce the launch of a new foster […]

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Let It Be Us Launches Foster Home Recruitment Pilot with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

• Press
• February 18, 2026

Let It Be Us Launches Foster Home Recruitment Pilot with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Let It Be Us is proud to announce the launch of a new foster home […]

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Keeping Connections: Adoption Ethics, Openness, and the Lifelong Well-Being of Children Adopted through Foster Care

• Latest News
• February 5, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Northern Illinois Leaders Come Together with Let It Be Us for Children in Foster Care in The Northern Region for a Foster Home Recruitment Event

• Latest News
• February 4, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Family Support Awareness Month: Open Adoption and Open Connection for Families Formed Through Foster Care Adoption

• Latest News
• February 4, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Black History Month: Honoring Black Leaders Past and Present Who Shape Child Welfare with Courage and Care

• Latest News
• February 2, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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How Let It Be Us Recruits Foster Parents: A High-Performance, Technology-Driven Approach

• Latest News
• January 29, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Homes Prevent Trafficking: Why Permanency Is a Human Trafficking Prevention Strategy in Illinois – Let It Be Us

• Latest News
• January 7, 2026

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Chicago Parent: Meet the woman helping Illinois’ foster children find the families they deserve

• Press
• December 1, 2025

In this feature from Chicago Parent, founder and Executive Director Dr. Susan McConnell reflects on how Let It Be Us is reshaping foster care and adoption in Illinois – from […]

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Chicago Tribune: Barrington-based nonprofit fundraising to make holidays brighter for children in foster care

• Press
• November 24, 2025

In this Chicago Tribune feature, Let It Be Us is spotlighted for its heartwarming holiday fundraising efforts. Through its annual toy drive and other initiatives, the organization is working to […]

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Let It Be Us Adoption Summit

• Latest News
• November 5, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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How will the loss of SNAP and WIC benefits Impact Children and Teens in Foster Care? Research Driven Information from Let It Be Us

• Latest News
• November 2, 2025

How will the loss of SNAP and WIC benefits Impact Children and Teens in Foster Care? Research Driven Information from Let It Be Us By Dr. Susan A. McConnell   […]

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Domestic Violence Awareness: What It Means for Foster Care & Adoption – Let It Be Us

• Latest News
• October 30, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Needing Families Licensed & Seeking a License – Kids Graduating From Group Homes

• Latest News
• September 16, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Let It Be Us Announces New Board Leadership to Advance Foster Care and Adoption in Illinois

• Latest News
• August 6, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Fostering and Adopting Youth with Diverse Medical Needs featuring Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Medical Director Dr. Margaret Scotellaro

• Latest News
• August 5, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Become a Heart Gallery Photographer to Support Illinois Foster Care Adoption with Let It Be Us

• Latest News
• July 21, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Recruiting Emergency Foster Homes With Shelter Youth & Family Services In a Partnership with Let It Be Us – What Makes Their Approach Unique

• Latest News
• July 21, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Become a Licensed Foster Parent / Family with Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois – What Makes Their Approach Unique

• Latest News
• July 17, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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CBS News: Chicago Area Nonprofit Aims to Help Foster Kids Find Forever Homes

• Press
• July 10, 2025

Today, CBS Chicago spotlighted Let It Be Us following its recent $750,000 contract with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Founded 11 years ago by Dr. Susan McConnell […]

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Let It Be Us Hosts Inaugural Adoption Symposium, Bringing Together Child Welfare Leaders Across Chicago and Northern Illinois

• Latest News
• June 2, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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ABC7 WLS Chicago News with Samantha Chatman

• Press
• June 2, 2025

During this live interview, Dr. Susan A. McConnell, Founder & Executive Director of Let It Be Us, discussed Let It Be Us, foster care and adoption, the Adoption Listing Service […]

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Concurrent Planning for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care as a Protective Measure in The State of Illinois, Written by Dr. Susan A. McConnell

• Latest News
• May 14, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Authority Magazine: Dr Susan A McConnell Of Let It Be Us: 5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy

• Press
• April 11, 2025

In this feature from Authority Magazine Dr. Susan A. McConnell, founder and Executive Director of Let It Be Us, shares “5 Things You Need to Create a Successful & Effective […]

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US 99 Chicago’s Melissa and Austin

• Press
• April 3, 2025

During this live interview, Dr. Susan A. McConnell, Founder & Executive Director of Let It Be Us, discussed Let It Be Us, foster care and adoption, the Be Mine Gala, […]

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Let It Be Us to Host their Second Installment of the Ladies Leadership Luncheon

• Latest News
• April 2, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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WCPT 820AM’s “Chew’s Views with Richard Chew”

• Press
• April 2, 2025

During this live interview, Dr. Susan A. McConnell, Founder & Executive Director of Let It Be Us, and Kaycee Coles, Board Member, discussed Let It Be Us, foster care and […]

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Let It Be Us Awarded Illinois Adoption Listing Service Contract by Illinois DCFS

• Latest News
• April 1, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Illinois Foster Care and Adoption Non-Profit, Let It Be Us, Announces 7th Annual ‘Be Mine’ Gala, May 9, at Chicago’s Wellsley, to Raise Funds for Children’s Placements in Families

• Latest News
• March 28, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Attention All Illinois Licensed Foster Parents – We Need You Immediately!

• Latest News
• March 28, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Fox 32 Chicago Newsbreak: Let It Be Us Founder and Executive Director Dr. Susan A. McConnell with Anita Blanton on Let It Be Us DCFS Partnership

• Press
• March 25, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Time to Placement in Adoption from Foster Care: A Critical Component of Permanency in Illinois

• Adoption , Foster Parent Recruitment , Latest News
• March 12, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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The Critical Role of Matching in Adoption from Foster Care: Special Needs and Parental Experience in Illinois

• Adoption , Foster Parent Recruitment , Latest News
• March 12, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Defining Permanency in Foster Care: The Promise of a Stable Future through Adoption in Illinois

• Adoption , Foster Parent Recruitment , Latest News
• March 12, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Innovative Women Shaping Social Work Today: Celebrating Education and Innovation this National Social Work Month

• Adoption , Foster Parent Recruitment , Latest News
• March 12, 2025

As we celebrate National Social Work Month, we highlight women focusing on education and innovation. In honor of National Social Work Month, Let It Be Us celebrates three trailblazing women whose advanced education and innovative approaches are redefining the field of social work.

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The Importance of Permanency within Foster Care in Illinois: Embracing Adoption as a Lifeline

• Adoption , Foster Parent Recruitment , Latest News
• March 12, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Let It Be Us and The Children’s Home Recruit New Foster Parents in Peoria, Illinois and Surrounding Areas – In-Person Event at The Children’s Home Offices – February 11, 6:00pm

• Adoption , Foster Parent Recruitment , Latest News
• February 3, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Recruitment and Placement in Adoption and Foster Care Play Roles in the Prevention of Human Trafficking – January is Human Trafficking Month

• Adoption , Foster Parent Recruitment , Latest News
• January 18, 2025

Recruitment and placement in adoption and foster care play significant roles in the prevention of human trafficking and in 2025 Let It Be Us will expand into Specialized Recruitment to serve this underserved population. 

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Cook County Chronicle: Connecting Kids to Foster Parents

• Press
• December 12, 2024

Carolyne Osterhues’ kids, like all siblings, have their moments. “They have fights over ‘Who ate my Flaming Hot Cheetos?’” the Tower Lakes mom said. “They are the best of friends […]

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Daily Herald: Barrington-based group walks the walk in fostering adoption solutions

• Press
• December 2, 2024

As thousands of children in Illinois await adoption, one Barrington nonprofit is doing its part to find them permanent homes. Let It Be Us operates out of a small office […]

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National Adoption Month: Osterhues Family: Opening their Hearts and Home to Children in Need of Love and Stability

• Latest News
• November 8, 2024

Carolyne and Mark Osterhues always planned to build a family through adoption. They considered using a domestic or international agency, but found there were challenges associated with these approaches, such […]

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National Adoption Month 2025: Tracy Haufschild: Baby Girl Completes the Family

• Latest News
• November 5, 2024

When a child’s home life is determined to be unsafe, they are placed with a relative or licensed foster family. While foster care is designed to be temporary, reunification between […]

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Let It Be Us Enters New Frontier of Child Welfare with Host Home Recruitment with The Bridge Youth & Family Services

• Latest News
• September 30, 2024

Let It Be Us Announces Partnership with The Bridge Youth & Family Services for Host Home Recruitment  Let It Be Us enters the new frontier of child welfare by announcing […]

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