Each May, people from all walks of life come together to help children and young adults in the foster care system. Even though the goal of foster programs is to provide and care for kids all year long, having this one month provides an opportunity for the nation to focus its attention on a purpose and goal of raising awareness and funds for kids in need.
According to the National Foster Care Coalition, nearly a half-million children are in foster care throughout the United States. Another quarter-million children spend at least some time in foster care over the course of a year.
Of the total amount of children in the foster care system, only one-third are reunited with their families while only a fraction find new families through adoption. Others run away or leave foster care because they have become too old and have been “aged out” of the foster care system, according to the National Foster Care Coalition.
With so many children in foster care at any given time – and another quarter-million children entering the system each year – it is critical to provide foster children and families with the tools and resources they need to provide adequate care to children.
This year marks the 29th anniversary of the observance of May as National Foster Care Month. There are many ways that you can help. You can contribute to a child’s academic success, recognize community leaders, advocate on behalf of youth and families, lead in your own community, spread the word, tutor or mentor a child and so much more.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the foster care system, contact a member at Deratany & Kosner for more information. We are well known advocates in the foster care community and would be happy to speak with you.