May brings forth two significant national observances: National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. These critical themes call for attention and advocacy in our community.
Mental health issues often intertwine with the foster care system. Whether it's a parent grappling with mental health challenges that render them unable to care for their children, or a foster child wrestling with feelings of abandonment and uncertainty about their future, the connection between mental health and foster care cannot be overlooked.
As youth approach the daunting prospect of aging out of foster care, they find themselves at a particularly vulnerable crossroad. Faced with the task of preparing for adulthood without a clear roadmap, they often experience a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from frustration to anxiety. Recognizing this, the Children’s Bureau has aptly themed this year’s Foster Care Month as “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” This overarching theme underscores the imperative of providing strong support to young individuals as they navigate the complexities of transitioning into adulthood.
Each year, Children’s Bureau focuses on a theme for Foster Care Month, advocating for the needs of over 391,000 children and young people in foster care.
This year's theme, “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” focuses on aiding youths who are aging out of foster care, preparing them for a smoother transition into adulthood. The holistic approach to this support involves initiating connections between children in foster care and essential resources at an earlier stage. To adequately prepare them, they require guidance from adults who dedicate time to educate and direct them toward these resources, while also providing a stable support system where they can seek guidance and ask questions.
Children’s Bureau encourages individuals, child welfare and professional services to embrace and implement this year’s theme to help these children succeed in life.
Written by Aysha E. Schomburg, Associate Commissioner of the Children’s Bureau
“Nearly 20,000 young people transition out of the foster care system each year without a permanent family. In talking with young people who have experienced the foster care system firsthand, I've heard consistently how challenging it is to transition out of foster care, especially without the appropriate support. Giving young people the resources they need to succeed as adults begins during their time in care. It is crucial that we use that time to engage young people in case planning, help them build and nurture important relationships, and gain equitable access to the opportunities that all young people deserve.
Holistic transition planning is one way we can ensure young people have the tools they need to succeed. Planning for the transition to adulthood is an important goal of case planning for all young people in foster care. Still, it sometimes falls short of preparing young people for the emotional, psychological, and developmental aspects of transitioning from care. Taking a holistic approach to these plans and starting conversations with young people about their future in their early teenage years—not a few months before they turn 18—can make a huge difference…”
Read the rest of the Children’s Bureau message.
Child Welfare Information Gateway provides resources dedicated to this month’s National Foster Care theme. These resources help provide information and tools to support youth who are transitioning out of foster care. See resources here.
May’s two national month observations highlight the profound impact of mental health challenges on children and youth in foster care.
For many children, entering foster care is a response to parental mental health challenges. The upheaval of being separated from their families can trigger anxiety, stress, and depression in these vulnerable individuals. The need for a sense of safety and stability becomes paramount during these turbulent times.
Fortunately, foster families play a crucial role in providing the nurturing environment that children in foster care desperately need. By opening their hearts and homes, these families offer a refuge from the chaos, helping to alleviate the mental stress experienced by the children under their care. While the ultimate goal may be reunification, foster families serve as a vital support system, providing a secure space for children to live, receive an education, and access community resources.
As children in foster care approach adulthood, the support provided by their foster families becomes even more critical. Foster parents serve as a guiding light, helping these youths navigate the transition into independence with confidence. By connecting them with resources, encouraging conversations about their future goals, and offering unwavering support, foster parents empower these young individuals to embark on their adult journey outside of foster care with resilience and determination.
Victor's steadfast commitment to mental health advocacy and foster care underscores its mission to empower individuals and families facing adversity. Through its Foster Family and Adoption program, Victor provides a nurturing environment for children and youth in foster care, emphasizing stability, support, and holistic care.
With a legacy of over 95 years, Victor understands the complexities of foster care and remains dedicated to equipping resource families, also known as foster families, with the tools they need to thrive.
Join Victor in celebrating National Foster Care and Mental Health Awareness month and learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of children and youth in foster care.