Ask the Experts

Cheryl A. Lang

MCPL Mid-Continent Public Library has 33 branches and serves more than 816,000 residents across Jackson, Clay and Platte counties, offering resources and services for all ages. 816.836.5200, MyMCPL.org

Megan Maciel

KVC KANSAS KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral health care and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

Q

I’m interested in tracing my family’s genealogy. What’s a good way to get started?

The starting point in any family history research project is to first determine what details you know. The Midwest Genealogy Center provides downloadable forms that you can print at home. You can also ask older relatives to help fill in the blanks. Document their stories using a Tell Me a Story oral history kit available for checkout from MGC or reservation online for pickup at any Mid-Continent Public Library branch. The next step is to take a Genealogy 101 class through Universal Class or start using online genealogy resources on the library’s website, like MyHeritage.com and others, to find out more information. The Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence is open seven days a week to provide advice. Visit MyMCPL.org/FamilyHistory for more information. Cheryl A. Lang, MLS

Midwest Genealogy Center Manager

Q

What is the main goal of foster care?

Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children and teens when their parents or caregivers are going through crisis. When youth cannot remain safely in the home, child welfare agencies work diligently with the family to resolve the conflicts or disruptions that resulted in the child entering foster care through intensive family-centered services. The primary goal is to return the child to his or her home with additional supports in place for the family. Foster families come alongside the biological family to provide support while the family is in crisis, provide a stable home environment for the children and teens, and model appropriate parenting. Megan Maciel

Director of Recruitment and Communication, KVC Kansas

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