Foster Kids: Saved from Prison and Homelessness

There are so many stories about terrible things that are happening to foster kids that you may wonder why even bother. Sometimes you may think, "Nothing will change. There will always be foster children who are abused and after they age out, need lots of support, mentally, emotionally and economically." I agree with you, but a man much wiser than I could ever be said that there will always...

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Foster Kids: Sex Trafficking Victims Revisited

Yesterday we wrote about the connection between foster children in general and those who run away and sex trafficking victims. Some wrote to express shock over the statistics while others felt that immediate action should be taken to resolve this crisis.  "I'm glad you're sharing about this important topic. Nobody likes to admit this is happening, but we need to recognize that it is." Judy...

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Foster Youth: Sex Trafficking Targets

Foster children are targeted by sex traffickers because of their need for love, affirmation, and protection. If this reality turns your stomach, it's gets much worse: Connecticut: 98% of children who are identified as survivors of sex trafficking had previous involvement with child welfare services, and many were legally in the care and custody of the Connecticut Department of Children...

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Helping a Foster Child Is Easier Than You Think

 Last week we asked people what they would be willing to do to help foster children. Janice Miller wrote back that we could "encourage people to reach out and give a child a home." We know of several caring couples such as Helene and Ted Illston who have taken in many foster kids over the years. Yet not everyone is ready or able to make that kind of commitment while others may feel like Star...

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Foster Child Advocate Fights for Reform

Katherine Reddick, Assistant Principal at Ross Elementary School in Odessa, Texas, understands the pains of  foster care and the crippling effect it has on foster children. Her brother was beaten to death while in foster care. Katherine survived years of suffering bouncing back and forth between her abusive mother and the foster care system. Of the negative impact on a foster child's...

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Foster Children Enjoying New Life with Family

It's Friday and the first weekend of June. Many families will be heading for the parks and beaches while others go to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster or simply spend time relaxing at home. And three foster kids, all sisters, will spend this weekend with caring relatives who were found because of our expertise. Finding relatives is one of the most important events that can happen...

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Foster Children's Relatives Still Shorted by California

Recently in our blog "California Foster Children Costly for Relatives", we talked about the disparity in the amount that family members or "relatives placement" get paid for caring for a foster kid versus that of non-relatives or "foster placement." California just had a budget debate to determine what to do with a $4.7 billion windfall. Many foster youth organizations submitted proposals including...

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