Welcome
My Friends,
At Foster America, we envision a future where every child, youth, and family thrives — supported by resources and relationships that help them to grow and succeed. It is a future where families are together, where no child grows up in foster care. This vision inspires all that we do. Across the country, many share our vision and are taking steps in their communities to change our nation’s approach to child welfare. We are honored to join — and catalyze — efforts to transform the child welfare system. At the same time, we recognize that we are navigating a moment when progress on supporting families may falter. Sudden shifts in national priorities, coupled with funding cuts, are quickly reshaping the landscape for children and families. With federal investments in prevention under scrutiny and key protections for families at risk, the need for united efforts to keep families together has never been more urgent. Even in this climate, Foster America remains steadfast in our promise to advance solutions that strengthen families and build a more just, equitable world. In 2024, we strengthened our commitment to advancing approaches that prioritize family well-being before challenges escalate, reducing the prevalence of child welfare intervention, and sparing families the trauma of separation. Our work is rooted in strengthening four key capacities across the child welfare ecosystem: • Co-design, with families and communities setting the vision and shaping solutions together. • Collaboration, with efforts aligned across systems and organizations that impact families. • Finance, with resources directed to prevention and support — instead of foster care. • Learning, with data supporting our decisions and driving continuous improvement. As we look back on 2024, we are deeply grateful for the partners, supporters, and changemakers who stand with us in this work. Together, we have taken meaningful steps toward creating a more equitable and compassionate nation that prioritizes families’ strengths and needs. The future of child welfare is being decided now. Challenges may persist, but so, too, will our commitment to a future where every family thrives.
With my deepest appreciation,
Marie Zemler Wu Co-Founder, Executive Director Foster America
www.foster-america.org |
5
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator