05.08.2016
Make a Difference During National Foster Care Month
Kids in foster care face a world of uncertainty and instability, but there is a group of dedicated people – foster parents, family members, child welfare professionals, volunteers, social workers– who together create a circle of optimism, strength and support for kids in care. We acknowledge their efforts and support during May celebrating National Foster Care Month.
Here are three ways that you can join this circle of support and help brighten the lives of kids in foster care by getting involved this month.
Pick one. Do all. Reach out. Make a difference.
Learn: Know the facts
Did you know?
There are 9,000 kids in foster care in Washington State and nearly 1,500 kids in foster care in King County alone.
On average, kids move three times while in foster care. That means adapting to three new schools, three new families, and three new sets of friends. Statistics show that kids lose 4-6 months of academic progress with each move.
Less than 50% of youth in foster care will graduate from high school and just 3% will achieve a bachelor’s degree. Without a high school diploma, kids in care often experience tragic outcomes as they transition to adulthood.
These are not just numbers; these are kids in our local community who are struggling. Kids who have the same hopes and dreams, the same desires and wishes as any other child. By taking a moment to learn more about kids in foster care and the challenges they face, you can gain a deeper understanding of how our community can improve outcomes for kids in foster care, and how you can make a meaningful impact on their lives.
Only have a few minutes? Take a peek at our foster care facts and stay engaged by signing-up for Treehouse eNews or subscribing to our blog.
Get inspired
Many kids in foster care have struggled and persevered relentlessly to achieve success. Read some of their stories of resilience.
National Foster Care Month Featured Stories
Communicate: Promote and raise awareness about kids in foster care
Share what you have learned with your friends, family, and colleagues. By spreading the word you can help broaden the circle of support for kids in foster care in our community.
Speak out
- We spend so much time sharing our lives and interests with friends and family online. Social media is a great channel to talk about issues that you care about. Support kids in foster care this month by sharing Treehouse Facebook and Twitter
- Are you looking for new ideas for a class or club volunteer project? You can help build awareness of kids in foster care by creating a poster, a short presentation or a film and promoting it in the community.
- Newspapers love hearing topics of interest from members of the community. Write to your local editor and ask them to support kids in foster care.
Act: Bring cheer and warmth to kids in foster care
Donate
- Donate clothes, toys, books, shoes, school supplies and more to the Wearhouse, Treehouse’s very own store, where caregivers and kids can shop for free for new and like-new items. You can also check out current Wearhouse needs on Pinterest.
Volunteer
- Many Treehouse Graduation Success students throughout King County need extra help with homework, credit recovery, resume building, job shadowing and other academic services. If you have a passion for motivating and inspiring young people become a Graduation Success volunteer.
- Rally your friends, family, and co-workers to make a difference for youth in foster care. Create a fundraising event or host a donation drive and help stock the Wearhouse.
- Volunteering in the Wearhouse can be a great team-building opportunity with your work group, school group, friends, or family. The Wearhouse hosts groups of 4- 15 volunteers for 2- 4 hour shifts throughout the year.
Do more
- Become a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and advocate in court on behalf of kids in foster care.
- Change a child’s life by becoming a foster or adoptive parent. Learn more
We invite you to get involved and make a difference this National Foster Care Month and throughout the year.
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About the Author
Sujata Agrawal is a communications consultant with a passion for storytelling that engage the audience, encourage participation and bring about change. She is volunteering at Treehouse to provide communications support. She recently relocated to Seattle from India and is excited to embark on a career here.