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It’s May!
Starting in 1988, the U.S. government proclaimed May the National Awareness Foster Care Month. It is an initiative from the Children’s Bureau, and every year in May, we take time to raise awareness among foster care parents and the system. This includes acknowledging foster parents, teachers, mentors, family members, professional child welfare providers, policymakers, and the loving community who help children find a safe and comfortable home.
History
A large population of children were becoming homeless through the early 1800s in New York and other Northeast areas in the United States. During this time, many children were left neglected due to parents passing by the flu and other epidemics. Three institutions during that time were advocates for children who were homeless or experiencing negligence— The Children’s Aid Society, Children’s Village, and New York Foundling Hospital. It was not until 1853 that Charles Loring Brace officially created the first free foster home movement. Continuing through growth and years of development in 1988, President Ronald Regan announced May as the official Foster Care Awareness month. Every year since the month brings attention and support to the foster parents and the children in foster care.
Child’s Bureau Footprint
National Foster Care Month recognizes the crucial role that foster care plays in the lives of children and youth across the United States. The Children’s Bureau has created a beautiful footprint, along with its partners like the Child Welfare Information Gateway and various Federal, State, and local agencies, dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for transition-age youth in foster care, including Kamali’i.
Kamali’i’s involvement and willingness to collaborate with local supporters demonstrate the power of community engagement in addressing the needs of transition-age youth in foster care. By working together and sharing resources, stories, and outreach tools, they can make a significant impact in ensuring that these young individuals have the necessary support systems in place to navigate the challenges they face.
The theme, “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities,” encapsulates the essence of Foster Care Awareness Month. It emphasizes the importance of empowering youth in foster care, building strong support networks around them, and creating opportunities for their success as they transition into adulthood.
By focusing efforts at the State and local levels, the initiative can reach those who need support the most and tailor resources and services to meet their specific needs. Ultimately, the goal is to provide transition-age youth in foster care with the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives beyond the foster care system.
Holistic Approach
The holistic approach is what child welfare practitioners believe is the healthiest approach to young individuals in the system. This means addressing mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being to create a balanced and comprehensive approach to support the grand health of these individuals. Having these techniques will help determine the future of a child. It is a huge part of case planning for foster care system affiliates. Engaging these conversations throughout their entire young life and showing support will help rather than not speaking to these individuals until a few months before they turn 18.
Resources Available
This month is the perfect time to donate or get involved in any way that you can. Here are easily accessible resources for you to utilize or share during this month. These include child welfare individuals who will be learning to prepare for what life will look like after foster care. Planning what’s next can be scary and overwhelming. At Kamali’i, we have made sure our website is easily accessible to any user.
Our website offers comprehensive resources for professionals working with young people transitioning out of foster care. We also have incredible links to TBRI training, Foster Family Agency Training, and Resource Parent Training, and we have child abuse hotlines accessible.
https://www.kamalii.org/resources/
Engaging youth in their own transition planning and starting conversations about their future early on are crucial steps in ensuring they have the necessary support and resources as they move into adulthood. Many communities have special events during Foster Care Awareness Month, such as fundraisers, workshops, or informational seminars. Participating in or organizing such events can be a great way to contribute.
Why Support is Needed
This month is to bring awareness to the 319,000 children and young people in foster care. This year’s theme is “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” The goal is to strengthen these young individuals so that they can prepare for adulthood and succeed. Over 20,000 young individuals leave foster care each year without a permanent family. It can be tough if these children don’t have the support they need, and it starts with the care we give them while in foster care. It is vital that these young people have the resources they need to build healthy relationships and gain equitable access to opportunities that everyone deserves and has the right to. Engaging these young people in case planning and preparing them for the future can be very smart.
In 2021, over 77% of foster care children left the system without federal funding for the necessities needed for independent living.
Federally funded services can significantly provide the stability and assistance these youth need to thrive. Access to safe and stable housing, healthcare, education, job training, and other essential supports can significantly affect their long-term well-being. Referring youth to these services when they are young is vital; everyone involved in foster care is continually working on this.
Spread the Word
Local foster care organizations can provide valuable information and opportunities for involvement. You can start by searching online for foster care organizations in your community or contacting your local government’s social services department for recommendations. Once you’ve identified organizations, you can explore their websites to learn about their missions, programs, and ways to get involved. Many organizations offer opportunities for donations, volunteering, or becoming a foster parent yourself if you’re considering it. They have a vast amount of information to help a child in foster care or foster parents. Social media shares and posts can greatly spread awareness during the month of May. Sharing and posting about Foster Care will bring extremely needed awareness wherever you are, whatever community you’re in. An example post could be something as simple as this, “May is National #FosterCareMonth! This year’s theme is ‘Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities’.” You can also use the hashtag #FosterCareMonth to join the larger conversation.
Why Kamali’i
At Kamali’i, our goal and purpose is to provide children and families with support services that will allow for a healthy and nurturing home environment for a child in need, from foster care placement to family reunification. We try to accommodate every child’s needs, so donations are extremely helpful and appreciated. The impact of our work at Kamali’i FFA is changing young children’s lives. We provide resources and programs aimed at teaching independent living skills to support young parents and how they can make a significant difference in the lives of these children and their families. Our donations go directly towards these programs, ensuring that children from any background receive the support they need to thrive. We want to thank you for all the support and those who can contribute financially, we appreciate you, and it will make a difference. https://www.kamalii.org/donations/
