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WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?
Foster care is defined as "24-hour substitute care for children outside their own homes."** Settings include relative or non-relative foster family homes, group homes, emergency shelters, residential facilities, and pre-adoptive homes. Foster care is meant to be temporary, not a permanent situation for children to grow up in.
Children most often enter the foster care system from troubled homes where substance abuse, domestic violence, criminal activity, and other family issues lead to abuse and neglect. Most have endured unstable living situations and lack of basic necessities - even periods of homelessness—DUE TO NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN.
ALL have experienced the trauma and grief of separation from family and familiar surroundings. Some are fortunate enough to leave the system for "forever homes", but many more will age out on their 21st birthday without a permanent family.
There are approximately 2,000 youth in
foster care in Washington, DC*
60% are teens, age 13 and older
WHO ARE THE CHILDREN IN DC FOSTER CARE?
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• 60% of children waiting for adoption are over 13 years of age
• 96% are African American and 3% are Hispanic
• On average, a child spends close to 4 years in care (nearly 2x the national average)
• 48% of children experience three or more foster care placements |
| WHAT ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT PROBLEMS THEY FACE?* |
• Managing life issues without the security of a family unit
• Placement changes
• School changes
• Personal anxieties about having to move
• Regret about loss of brothers and sisters in their daily lives
• Longing to be better understood/connected to people they could trust
• Money and job concerns |
*Based on a 2008 survey of District youth in foster care- when asked the 3 most difficult problems they face
Approximately 330 are girls age 13-18.
XOL targets teen girls age 13-15. They are still impressionable – and young enough for us to influence the choices they are making in junior and senior high school which will dictate the direction of their lives. They need the same guidance, support and opportunities available to kids with a more "normal childhood". Quite simply, they need a break… an opportunity to replace extraordinary negative circumstances with extraordinarily positive experiences.
References: *. Federal AFCARS data, 2005 for DC **. As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
DC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES (CFSA)
CFSA is the primary child welfare agency of the District of Columbia and partner to XOL.
CFSA PRIMARY FUNCTIONS |
| I. Child Protective Services |
Responding to reports of child abuse or neglect |
| II. Supportive Family Services |
Connecting troubled families to services such as counseling, parenting classes, housing and child care assistance, and substance abuse treatment, in an effort to help them heal. |
| III. Safe Out-of-Home Care |
Moving children to a safe short-term setting, when a family environment presents too much danger, or if parents are unable or unwilling to keep children safe. The goal is to overcome difficulties so children can return home to a safe environment. |
| IV. Adoption |
Recruiting and training people willing to provide nurturing permanent homes for children. CFSA unites many children with their birth families; however, other children find a “forever family” (i.e. permanent homes) through legal guardianship, life-long connections to a mentor or family-like member, or adoptive parents. |
EVERY CHILD needs and deserves a
constant caring adult in their lives.
CFSA seeks to find permanent homes for youth in foster care-- and at the very least, works to ensure every young person develops a relationship with a caring adult committed to guidance and support through age 21. Although a public agency can never be the optimum parent, CFSA is raising young people and preparing for adulthood. In partnership with social workers, foster caregivers, and the community, CFSA’s Office of Youth Empowerment is committed to teaching and training young people—and helping each to recognize and develop their unique potential.
CFSA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS |
 Life Skills Training: Interactive classes that "stand in" for family guidance on a wide range of topics such as: health and self-care, relationships, safe sexual behavior and pregnancy prevention, money management, educational planning, finding and keeping a job, communication, and career planning.
Education: Services that support academic achievement, completion of high school, and entry into college or vocational training. Approx. 20% of youth in care go to college or a post-high school educational program. Tutors, mentors, scholarships and college tours are available.
Work: In addition to workshops on resume prep, interview techniques, and looking for a job, OYEhelps identify opportunities for internships and paid work with District employment services agencies and local public/private employers.
Youth Advisory Board: A group of older youth (ages 17-21) that meet regularly to advise the CFSA Director on how the agency can better address issues and meet their needs. Youth Advisory Board members receive leadership training in return for their involvement.
Fun: Good times help young people develop social skills and make new friends. OYE hosts parties, movie nights, pizza outings, bowling, field trips, an annual fashion show, and other fun events.
Please visit www.cfsa.dc.gov for more information. If you are interested in adopting a child,
call 202-671-LOVE
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Sign up for XOL
