Foster Care Awareness Month

By: Kristen Albertson

Each May, we honor and support the children and youth who are in foster care and acknowledge the community members who help them find connections and permanent homes. This month, we invite everyone to join us in recognizing Foster Care Awareness Month and to help spread the message of hope and compassion for those in foster care. We also encourage action to ensure that foster youth have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Youth in foster care require a sense of relational permanency to thrive. Finding a permanent home and family can provide stability and security, and a strong support system is essential for emotional connection, development, and well-being. A safe and secure home environment and a strong support system can lead to positive social outcomes and improved mental health for foster youth.

Mental and behavioral health are among the most important needs to address for youth in foster care. This includes acknowledging and addressing the mental and behavioral needs of foster youth through an integrated approach that considers their needs at home, at school, at work, and in the community. It is vital to devote resources to culturally appropriate mental health that recognizes the individual needs, culture, and identity of each child or young adult. Consider the following tip sheet on responding to foster youth mental health needs published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

https://cwlibrary.childwelfare.gov/discovery/delivery/01CWIG_INST:01CWIG/1219064650007651

Foster families, children, and young adults need the support of their communities to flourish. Anyone can provide support to foster youth this month and beyond, whether they foster, advocate, volunteer, or donate. Education and resources can be provided to foster families to help them better care for the children in their homes. Monetary donations and donations of toys, clothing, and other supplies can help foster families meet the needs of the children in their care. Mentorship, tutoring, and other forms of support can be invaluable for foster children. Here are some ways you can serve the mission of providing for the welfare and well-being of foster care children and youth, according to AdoptUSKids.org:

https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/ways-to-help

If you have been or know someone who has been in foster care, there are plenty of resources available to you. Many states and local agencies offer financial assistance and other programs for adults who have aged out of foster care. There are also several national organizations that provide support and advocacy for children and youth in foster care. Here are some supportive resources recommended to current foster care children and their families by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/resources-foster-families/supports/

Additionally, here are some resources recommended for former foster youth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/independent/resources/

We need to come together to ensure that foster youth have a safe and supportive environment and that former foster children have the resources that they need to succeed. Every child, teen, and young adult deserves a chance to thrive.

The mission of 50/50 Leadership is to educate, empower, and inspire young women from underserved communities to become leaders in their lives and communities. We offer free money management courses specifically to serve young women who have been in the foster care system. If you believe you are eligible for our course, sign up today for our Money 101 Course by emailing info@5050leadership.org.