May Is Here! It's National Foster Care Month

Authentic youth engagement is an essential part of our daily work. We hear too often that youth in foster care feel as though they didn’t have a say in decisions about their cases or their futures. As we help youth prepare for independence, we must prioritize youth engagement at every step of the way—from individual transition planning to greater systems change.

We can elevate youth voice by asking them questions, valuing their opinions, and putting in the work to form trusting relationships early and throughout their time in care. Foster parent Tanja says she strives for this every time a new child comes into her care. “I let them know when they come through the door that they have a voice and it will be heard. So, if you have something to say, I'm going to listen.”

Leslie, who spent time in care during her childhood, emphasizes how important it is for young people to have supportive adults advocating for them. For her, it was a teacher. “Her consistent support and unconditional love over many years allowed me to shed some of my loneliness. I would not be here today if she hadn’t stepped in. But what about the hundreds of thousands of foster kids who don’t have a teacher willing to risk everything to help them? What do those kids get? How will they survive?”

As child welfare professionals, we need to step in and be a champion for children and youth in care. If one person, like Leslie’s teacher, can make all the difference, imagine what a whole network of supporters can do. Talk to youth about the important people in their lives—grandparents, aunts, uncles, other relatives, family friends, teachers, counselors, coaches, and others—and help them maintain those relationships. Also talk to young people about their communities and help them maintain important cultural, religious, and familial ties in those spaces.

Support through authentic, lifelong relationships is one way to prepare youth for life after foster care. Another is by connecting them to resources and information. Sylvia, another youth formerly in care, was able to secure an apartment of her own after leaving care thanks to the support of her caseworkers. “I appreciate every worker who has helped me over the years. They have definitely come into my life and given me the support I needed. I now know about so many resources I had no clue I could even receive. I feel that once I age out of my transitional housing program, I will be equipped with skills and resources to live a full adult life without help or even public assistance.”

Engaging youth, building supports, and strengthening opportunities are philosophies that can be woven into our everyday practice. While we’re often juggling challenging caseloads and workloads, taking small steps, like asking a young person about their day and taking the time to listen, can yield big results in that young person’s life.

Be knowledgeable about resources and services available to youth—and if you aren’t quite sure where to direct them, point them toward someone who can assist. Start talking about transition planning early, not a few months before a young person turns 18. Do everything you can to set them up for success.

Visit the National Foster Care Month campaign page to learn more about youth engagement, transition planning, relationship building, and more. Together, we can help youth in foster care feel heard, seen, and prepared for their futures.

Sincerely, 

Jennifer Lee
Child Welfare Program Specialist
Children's Bureau