Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation’s Post

One of my most recent articles that I wrote examines how each of us can help a child in foster care. Here are 10 ways you can impact a chid's life who is in crisis! 10 Ways to Help Children in Foster Care Without Being a Foster Parent. #parenting #children in #crisis #mentalhealth #fostercare #childwelfare #consultant https://lnkd.in/e8W-8wb

Little things like not being embarrassed about not affording transportation to practice, or joining a team's travel games, can make a HUGE difference in the life of a traumatized child. We all take social support and self-esteem opportunities for granted that arise from our jobs, our kids' schools, and everyone's extracurriculars; even simply having a stable home and driver (parent chauffer here!). Now California lawmakers have amazingly approved the California Department of Social Services' $1 BILLION(!) plan to ensure foster youth have these "strength building" opportunities too; vital keys to a resilient life after trauma. Instead of lower amounts going to foster families, more money will "follow the child" and be increased based on risk data thanks to John Lyons and team at the University of Kentucky and Chapin Hall - money specifically for enrichment activities like swim classes and after-school sports, specialized therapy when they’re suffering, and help with housing when they leave government custody as young adults. This is brilliant #traumainformedcare #healthequity policy for youth. And yeah, we do need better support for blending and braiding Medi-Cal financing this plan will rely on, especially for the children's residential facilities noted here by Christine Stoner-Mertz of the California Alliance of Child & Family Services. But that's what the DHCS PATH TA Marketplace, ECM/CS, BH rate reforms, and so many other new efforts of our state are meant to offer. There's ENORMOUS hope in the form of California's many new initiatives under CalAIM, CYBHI, BH-CONNECT and Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Transformation, including new "Integrated Plans" where counties will eventually need to assess, track and report (and be held accountable for) ALL sources of funding for these kids' mental health. (Yippy!) For child welfare-involved children to have a brighter future, all of these dollars must still be fought for and implemented smoothly at the county level, so that money for once actually flows in the right and just directions. I and many others now see a structural-stigma-free light at the end of this long, dark tunnel that we've kept kids and families in for FAR too long. #mentalhealthishealth. Pay for it.

Want to help children in crisis, without being a foster parent? Here are 10 ways you can impact a chid's life who is in crisis! 10 Ways to Help Children in Foster Care Without Being a Foster Parent. #parenting #children in #crisis #mentalhealth #fostercare #childwelfare #consultant https://lnkd.in/e8W-8wb

The #FosterCareMonth proclamation by the White House begins with: “The nearly 370,000 children in foster care deserve to grow up in safe and loving homes.” Although that seems like a big number, it’s only a point in time, on a single day. In fact, hundreds of thousands more U.S. children spend time in foster care each year. President Biden: I agree. And while I am thankful that you mentioned removal trauma and racial inequity, it concerns me that we still talk about foster care as a necessary or inevitable system. We have more research and proven alternatives today than we’ve had in the history of our country. We now know better... let’s do better. Let’s bring out all the stops, including federal funding, so that children can grow up keeping them safe with, and not from, their families. There’s much work ahead but we can build a better, more collaborative UnSystem for child welfare in America. One that sees the intrinsic value of every child and parent and where everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. https://hubs.ly/Q02y6BM-0

As we wrap up #NationalFosterCareMonth, we take a quick look at some key numbers related to children and youth in foster care - including the most critical number of all. https://ow.ly/ZJNS50S4lxF #NFCM #FosterCare

How can you talk to your children about becoming a foster family? Before deciding to become a foster carer, it's crucial to discuss it with your children and consider the potential impact on them and your family. Read our four tips on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gYpmDBTq #BerryStreetFosterCare #FosterCare #DaretoCare

In the world of foster care, misconceptions can often cloud the reality of the experience. A common question many prospective foster carers have is whether children in care can arrive at their door without any notice. Let's debunk this myth and explore the actual process of welcoming a child into your home.

Whether you are starting your fostering journey or are a seasoned caregiver, considering the educational needs of youth in foster care can be daunting. Here's what you need to know: https://bit.ly/4dhpmmD #fostercarefriday

With foster care awareness coming to an end, the reflection I offer is clear-- The "numbers" crisis might be subsiding but the "outcomes" crisis is not. Too many kids will still face uncertain futures and outcomes simply because of their experience in foster care. We need to change that. Thanks to the Phoenix Business Journal for amplifying the need to focus on changing the story of foster care, not just the numbers. You can read the full opinion here: https://lnkd.in/gxbq-pdF

A few months ago, news emerged about the ongoing shortage of foster parents in Arizona. The need for foster and therapeutic foster parents remains critical. Child Placement Agencies play a crucial role in addressing this pressing issue. Are you interested in learning more about becoming a foster or therapeutic foster parent? #FosterParenting #ChildPlacementAgencies #ArizonaCommunity #FamilyEmbraceNetwork #FosterArizona #TherapeuticFosterCare