May Is Foster Care Awareness Month
The month of May recognizes the part that we all play in raising the awareness surrounding children and youth in foster care. The theme for the 2020 Foster Care Awareness Month, according to the Children's Bureau is Foster Care as Support, Not as a Substitute for Parents. This year's theme highlights reunification as the main goal of the child welfare system. The Arizona Department of Child Safety focuses on this shared parenting mindset between the foster parent and the birth parent(s). You can learn about their shared parenting initiative on their website
Nationally, there are approximately 440,000 children in foster care, according to the Children's Bureau, the State of Arizona reports approximately 13,352 children are in foster care. Nearly 80% of these cases are a result of neglect. Arizona, like most states, is in need of foster families. Presently, there are only approximately 4500 foster families. There is information on the Department of Child Safety Website regarding information on becoming a foster parent.
At the Center for Child Well-Being, we are passionate about foster youth, especially in Arizona. Please keep checking back throughout the month of May, as we share with you our research, our partners' work, and helpful tools to support this population.
The Voice of the Youth: Foster Care and Social Emotional Well-Being
From Foster to Famous
Strong Threads - The Story of Kayla Taylor
How Are Arizona Youth Living in Out-of-Home Placement Really Doing?
