Supporting Transition-Aged Youth in Foster Care
Few 18-year-olds are ready to be completely independent, yet thousands of young adults age out of foster care each year without a family or support system. These transition-aged youth (TAYs) enter adulthood alone without guidance, assistance, or encouragement. The outcomes are grim: 90% in chronic poverty, 80% of men incarcerated, and 70% of women pregnant […]
Prevent Foster Care: One Mom’s Journey Through the 100 Families Program
Every year, thousands of families in crisis risk separation–not because of abuse or neglect, but because they struggle with one or more of the 13 social determinants of health. Too often, a lack of coordination between local resources keeps families from getting the help they need. That’s where our partner Restore Hope steps in. Through […]
From Foster Care to Fatherhood: Daniel’s Story
Some children placed in foster care come from incredibly painful circumstances. In those cases, it’s more important than ever to provide ideal family placements that meet their specific needs. Our partner, Coyote Hill, provides a safe and nurturing environment for children impacted by foster care. They recruit and support foster parents through the licensing process […]
What Makes an Ideal Foster Family?
There are about 343,000 children in foster care in the United States, but only 186,000 licensed foster families. Put simply, the math is not in our favor. To end the child welfare crisis in America, we need more licensed foster families than children in foster care, ensuring that no child enters foster care without a […]
Reunification Journey: Esther’s Support Leads to Connection
The goal of foster care is always reunification, when appropriate. Yet the reunification journey poses challenges because of its complexity. It can also be isolating, as many assume that if a parent’s children are in foster care, they must be a bad person. In this desert of support, our partner CarePortal’s care-sharing platform connects kids […]
5 Inspiring People in Foster Care History
Our mission to end the child welfare crisis in our nation draws inspiration from early advocates in foster care history. By learning their stories, we better understand the issues we face today. Contrary to popular belief, child welfare services in the United States started with everyday individuals rather than the government. Men and women saw […]
Championing Mental Health in Child Welfare
Building a brighter future for kids depends on us recognizing the intricate relationship between mental health and child welfare. Children entering state care often carry emotional weights that require thoughtful support. May’s Mental Health Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to highlight mental health in child welfare. Young people’s lives are shaped by influences such […]
Recovery and Reunification: Patrick and Amanda’s Story
Addiction is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to parents who struggle with controlled substances. About 39% of cases when a child is placed in foster care are due to parental drug or alcohol abuse. Yet this doesn’t mean these parents don’t dearly love their children, and their story doesn’t have to end there! Recovery […]
Gaining Confidence After Trauma: Devin’s Story
Trauma manifests in different ways in both childhood and adulthood. Where some may express anxiety or anger, others may become isolated. For Devin, the trauma he experienced growing up resulted in withdrawal from others. After years of believing his voice didn’t matter, he grew nearly non-verbal and struggled to connect with people. But during his […]
Learning How Trauma Affects Children: Steve and Preston’s Story
Without much time to prepare, Steve and his wife Angela welcomed their nephew, Preston, into their home for a kinship placement. They knew the road ahead would be tough. With three sons, adding another child to their family dynamic caused a significant shift. But a deeper challenge took precedence: Preston had experienced severe neglect. This […]
Celebrating Single Foster Mothers
Single foster mothers are some of the unsung heroes in the world of child welfare. Often navigating the complexities of parenthood alone, these remarkable women provide stability, love, and care to children in need. Here, we recognize their contributions and explore how to support their vital role in fostering. The Growing Need for Ideal Foster […]
Social Workers in Child Services: A Day in the Life
Social workers in child services cover a range of positions, but their main job involves protecting children in crisis. They’re often some of the first responders when a child needs help. When not responding to calls, these social workers take care of multiple ongoing cases, responsibilities, and appointments. They play an essential role in child […]
