May is National Foster Care Month, an opportunity for people from all walks of life to get involved locally to improve the lives of children and teenagers in foster care. It also is a time to honor the many people who open their hearts and homes to vulnerable children and are dedicated to keeping them safe.
The need is great. About 424,000 children in America are living in foster care right now. The goal of National Foster Care Month is to move more children and teenagers out of the foster care system and into the welcoming embrace of a safe and permanent family.
Casey Family Programs calls on our partners and friends to join us in helping to change a lifetime of a child or teenager in foster care. There are so many opportunities to get involved – as foster or adoptive parents, volunteers, mentors, employers or in other ways.
No matter who you are or how much time you have to give, you can help change a lifetime.
Through the help of dedicated people all across America, many formerly abused or neglected children and teens are reuniting safely with their parents, being cared for by relatives or being adopted by loving families. Thanks to the many advocates, child welfare professionals, elected officials and support groups around the country, the total number of children in foster care has decreased over recent years.
But more help is needed.
Every year, approximately 30,000 young people leave the foster care system without lifelong families – most at age 18. On their own, these young adults must navigate a weakened economy offering fewer jobs and less support for vital services such as housing. They need – and deserve – caring adults who love and support them.
Here are just a few ideas on how to show your support for National Foster Care Month:
- Wear a blue ribbon during May.
- Send a care package to an alumnus of foster care who is attending college.
- Volunteer with a local foster care program.
- Become a respite care provider to support foster families in your community.
- Encourage business leaders in your community to support young people in foster care.
- Mentor a young person in foster care.