D.A. Blodgett - St. John's’ Post

MFCA is in the news! Check out the latest coverage by WDET 101.9FM on the needs of Muslim foster youth and what MFCA is doing to help bridge the gap.

This is being held in the house and has passed the senate 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1146 AN ACT To amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify obstacles to identifying and responding to reports of children missing from foster care and other vulnerable foster youth, to provide technical assistance relating to the removal of such obstacles, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Find and Protect Foster Youth Act”. SEC. 2. ELIMINATING OBSTACLES TO IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO REPORTS OF CHILDREN MISSING FROM FOSTER CARE AND OTHER VULNERABLE FOSTER YOUTH. https://lnkd.in/gEN_xnr3

In 2019, Tipping Point set out to improve policies and resources for transitional-aged youth (TAY) who are navigating the steep climb out of the foster care system. The grantees we supported in this effort created lasting change, directly serving 5,000 kids with supports like housing and education access, and passing policy that opened up $1.5 billion government funding for TAY across the state and country. Learn more about our impact by reading the third-party evaluation on Better Futures for Foster Youth. https://lnkd.in/gJtafW27

✨ 5 Minute Survey on FAFSA + Homeless and Foster Youth ✨ https://lnkd.in/gPZHFeY2 Estimated time to complete this survey: Less than 5 minutes Deadline to complete this survey: June 15th, 2024 The release of the 2024-2025 FAFSA was fraught with issues, leading to lower rates of FAFSA completion and, as a result, many students who may not access the federal financial aid they need to pay for higher education. These issues are especially problematic for youth who have complex personal circumstances, including those experiencing homelessness and those with experience in the foster care system. To inform FAFSA advocacy and improve FAFSA training and resources, SchoolHouse Connection is conducting a short survey of education professionals (high school and higher education), service providers, and others who assist youth experiencing homelessness and youth with experience in the foster care system to complete the FAFSA. Complete the survey now at https://lnkd.in/gPZHFeY2 #FAFSA #FinancialAid #Homeless #FosterCare #ChildWelfare #McKinneyVento #HomelessYouth #FosterYouth #Education #HigherEducation #HomelessEducation

“No matter the issue, how big or small, FURS can respond.”   Children Now's Amanda Miller McKinney recently spoke to New Times SLO about the Newsom Administration's proposed budget cuts to foster youth services, including the Family Urgent Response System. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gbfZckBz Programs like FURS are critical to the well-being of foster youth. We must #ProtectFURS in the #CABudget.

The Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act, spotlighted by Imprint News and introduced by Reps. Ilhan Omar and Robert Garcia, offers a transformative approach that resonates with the essence of Hearts to Homes. By proposing $1,000 monthly assistance for foster youth up to age 27, and including financial literacy education, this legislation mirrors our commitment to empowering young adults in their transition to independence. This initiative not only aligns with our mission of providing essential home furnishings but also amplifies our efforts by ensuring foster youth have the financial stability needed for a successful start. It's about building a comprehensive support system that uplifts every aspect of their lives. Together, we can champion a future where stability and opportunity are within reach for every young adult leaving foster care. You can read the full article at https://bit.ly/3T5VrpB #FosterYouthSupport #EmpoweringYouth #HeartsToHomes #ImprintNews

Navigating Uncertainty: Joining Hands to Support Foster Youth – We Might Not Know How, But We Need to Act 🌟 Aging out of foster care is a critical issue affecting 23,000 children annually, cutting off crucial support. 🏠 After turning 18, 20% become instantly homeless, and only 50% find employment by age 24. 🎓 Less than 3% earn a college degree by 26, and 25% face incarceration within 2 years of aging out. 💔 The challenges are immense, with 70% of young women ending up in the sex industry and 7 out of 10 girls becoming pregnant before 21. 🌍 Globally, 17,900,000 orphans face hardships, and in the U.S., over 397,000 children live without permanent families in the foster care system. 💔 Despite the struggles, 70% express a desire to attend college, highlighting the resilience of these kids. 🤝 Let's raise awareness and support for those aging out of foster care, working towards a brighter future for these vulnerable individuals. #FosterCareAwareness #SupportAgingOutYouth

Many young adults rely on their parents for financial and emotional support well into their twenties. But what about those who "graduate" from foster care each year? These young people often enter adulthood abruptly and without the same level of support. While some states offer extended foster care, many of these vulnerable young adults deserve even more. They need the kind of creativity and commitment that biological and adoptive parents provide for their own children. If you want to learn more about this important issue and how we can support these young adults, read the full article below: https://lnkd.in/eVY_fTGi Youth Empowerment Success Services - Helping Youth become housed, educated, employed, and connected 💚 www.yess4youth.org #FosterCare #SupportYoungAdults #EveryChildMatters #YouthEmpowerment #FosterCare #AgingOut

#FosterCareAwareness >~25,000 youth age out of the foster care system each year >After reaching the age of 18, 20% of the children who were in foster care will become instantly homeless >25% of former foster youth experience homelessness within 4 years of aging out >50% of the unhoused population in the US are former foster youth #Reforms >The Federal Government must appropriate funding to construct Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in each state equipped to house 500 emancipated foster youth and aged-out young adults. Residents of these ILCs will receive free housing for 2 years along with services such as educational assistance, vocational help, and life skills trainings. >If ILC is at capacity, emancipated foster youth or aged-out young adults will receive immediate assistance to secure a lease in a safe neighborhood of youth's desired city. The youth will receive a monthly housing payment assistance stipend based on the median rent in the youth’s city of residence. This monthly stipend can be utilized until the age of 23. #Homelessness #Solutions #HousingForAll #HousingIsAHumanRight

📣 Another feather in the #TCOM Community's hat, on the path of climbing the system change! 👏👏👏 ✴#California's restructuring of foster care payment rates emphasizes the importance of family-based settings over residential facilities. Central to this reform is one of many #TCOMTools: the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (#CANS) tool, which will assess each child’s specific needs and strengths to determine appropriate payment levels. This approach aims to ensure that foster youth receive the support they need in stable, family-oriented environments. The state is also investing in services to maintain these placements, enhancing outcomes for foster youth. 🔗For more details, read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eQVnhpWe If you are interested in learning more about TCOM, join us on the 20th. Annual TCOM Conference in October! 🎟Register today: https://lnkd.in/eY7P8tvQ #IPHC #TCOM #TCOMTools #CDSS #CANS #UKY #PopulationHealth