For adoptive parents of children ages 2–4
Your family’s experience
can make a difference.
Did you adopt a child from foster care who is now age 2–4?
Help researchers understand how to support lasting adoptive family relationships. Explore Growing Families, a study led by The University of Texas at Arlington with CK Family Services and ODI, Inc.
Register interest or learn more
Start a conversation. Asking for information does not enroll you.
Working together for families
The University of Texas at Arlington · CK Family Services · ODI, Inc.
Small moments. Lasting connections.
Help shape what comes next
in adoption support.
Every adoptive family has a story. Growing Families invites parents to contribute their experiences to research on KEEP Toddler, a parenting support program.
Led by The University of Texas at Arlington, the study explores strategies to prevent adoption disruptions and support lasting family relationships. CK Family Services is the local recruitment and program delivery partner; ODI, Inc. is the program development partner.
Both study groups make a meaningful contribution to this research.
Start with your family
Could your family qualify?
You may qualify if all three describe your child:
Age 2–4 now
Your child is currently between 2 and 4 years old.
Adopted from foster care
Your child was in the child welfare system before adoption.
Adoption finalized
Your child’s adoption is legally finalized.
Your child’s age at the time of adoption does not matter. CKFS will confirm eligibility, including the study’s service area, with you.
Know what you’re joining
One study. Two ways to contribute.
After eligibility, informed consent, and initial study activities, participating families are assigned by chance—with an equal chance of being in either group. You do not choose your group.
KEEP Toddler group
Connect online with other parents.
Weekly virtual KEEP Toddler group meetings for 16 weeks, along with study surveys and weekly activities.
The program focuses on practical, trauma-informed parenting strategies, including encouraging positive behavior, building cooperation, and managing emotions while parenting.
Comparison (control) group
Share through weekly check-ins.
Weekly check-in phone calls for 16 weeks, along with study surveys and weekly activities, without attending the KEEP Toddler support group.
Your experiences help researchers understand what difference KEEP Toddler may make for adoptive families.
For both groups
Follow-up calls take place at 6 and 12 months after the 16-week period ends. The study continues beyond the first 16 weeks. The team will explain the full schedule and time commitment before you decide.
Registering interest is a first step. It does not establish eligibility, provide consent, enroll your family in the study, or reserve a place in KEEP Toddler.
Recognition for your time
Up to $540 in gift cards
Participants may receive gift cards over time for completing study surveys and weekly activities.
Compensation depends on completing specified study tasks. Ask the study team about the payment schedule and requirements.
A little clarity helps
Your questions.
Your decision.
Get the information you need to decide whether this opportunity fits your family.
Will my family receive KEEP Toddler?
There is no guarantee. Families who enroll in the study are randomly assigned to the KEEP Toddler group or the comparison group. Each has an equal chance. The comparison group does not attend KEEP Toddler during the 16-week study activity period.
What is KEEP Toddler?
KEEP Toddler is a parenting skills and support program. Parents assigned to this group meet virtually to explore practical strategies and share experiences. Growing Families is researching the program with adoptive families; benefits for an individual family are not guaranteed.
Can I ask questions before deciding?
Yes. Use the form below to register your interest or request more information. You can discuss eligibility, activities, scheduling, compensation, and study procedures before deciding whether to participate.
Is participation voluntary?
Yes. You choose whether to participate. Asking for information does not enroll you. The study team will explain consent and your choices before you make a decision.
How will my information be used?
Before submitting information, review the privacy information provided with the registration form. You can ask the study team who will receive your information, how it will be used, and what protections and limits apply before deciding to participate.
Let’s start a conversation
Register interest.
Learn more.
Decide together.
Ready to explore participating—or simply have a question? Use this form to tell CK Family Services how we can help.
We’ll discuss whether your family may qualify and what participation involves before you decide.
Prefer to call? Contact CK Family Services at 817-516-9100 and ask about the Growing Families research study.
Register interest or learn more
Choose your next step in the form. You can express interest in participating, request information, or both.
Registration & information form
The FormAssembly form will appear here.
Design preview only. No information is collected.
Submitting this form registers your interest or request for information. It does not enroll you in the research or guarantee KEEP Toddler participation.