May is National Foster Care Month!

There are over 423,000 children and youth in foster care across the country, and many have been facing increased isolation over the past year.

It is more critical than ever for communities to work together in identifying the right mix of supports to establish meaningful connections for children and youth in care.

This year, National Foster Care Month focuses on how to strengthen these connections and the role of family and youth engagement at every stage. We should ensure all families and youth have meaningful involvement in court hearings and case planning and make it possible for youth to stay connected to their parents and extended support systems while in foster care. When it isn’t possible to meet in person, virtual engagement tools can be critical to preserving meaningful connections and engaging youth. Authentically engaging youth and families can lead to increased family stabilization and expedite reunification and permanency.

Take some time this month to consider how all of us working to support youth can help them find their voice, develop leadership skills, improve their self-esteem, and shift foster care to a system that truly supports families.

#FosterCareMonth