Anyone who has raised a child remembers a time when parenting felt overwhelming. Even in the best of circumstances, parents need support. Foster care isn’t the solution
When that support isn’t available from friends or family, parents need to know what’s available to them in their own communities and how to access it – before someone calls child services, triggering an investigation that could break apart a family. Removing a child from their home and placing them in foster care – often with someone they’ve never met – is traumatic. What’s worse, the fear, uncertainty, and loss of stability can impact a child’s development long after they leave care. Every child, every story, is different. Here’s what we do know. Children who have been in foster care: Are less likely to graduate from high school.
Are twice as likely as veterans to experience symptoms of PTSD. Experience nine times the rate of suicide attempts as the general population. Are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and homelessness. We also know that children of color are disproportionately represented in our system, which is why we take care to center equity in all of our work.
Not every parent has a support system.We – as a community – have to be ready to fill those gaps.
Children of color:
Are 2x more likely than white children to be investigated or separated from their families. Endure prolonged stays in foster care. Are placed in institutions more often.
Have a higher incidence of mental and physical health problems as adults.
What if we could prevent those children from entering care?
— Brian Clapier Senior Vice President of Programs Foster America
We can – with your help.
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