Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.

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 MidwestGenealogy 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 Genealogy101 class through Universal Class or start using online genealogy resources on the library’s website, likeMyHeritage.com, and others, to find out more information. The Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence is open seven days a week to provide advice. VisitMyMCPL.org/FamilyHistory for more information.

Cheryl A. Lang, MLSMidwest Genealogy Center Manager

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

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 a 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 MacielDirector of Recruitment and Communication, KVC Kansas

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

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• KVC Kansas - Kansas City Office

  At KVC Kansas, our goal is to enrich and enhance the lives of children and families by providing services in family preservation and reunification, foster care, adoption, behavioral health and more.

• Midwest Genealogy Center - MCPL

  The Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) is one of the United States' preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost three-quarters of a million on-site materials. MGC features 52,000 square feet of space that houses all of the free...