May is Foster Care Awareness Month
“Children are always a gift; they change the history of every family.
They are thirsty for love, gratitude, esteem, and trust. Being parents calls you to pass on to your children the joy of realizing that they are God’s children.”
~Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to Married Couples
for the “Amoris Laetitia Family” Year 2021-2022
Children witness the love of Christ alive and present in the arms of a family. There are currently more than 38,000 children in foster care in Los Angeles County, one of the highest numbers in the nation. 57.5% of foster children in LA are under the age of 9. These foster children and youth need the love of a family to support them and nurture them to their full potential.
Upon aging out of the foster care system and without a family, many will face 5 paths:
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Homelessness – 40% of teens who age out of foster care will be homeless in 2 years.
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Incarceration – 80% of current prison inmates have spent time in foster care.
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Human Trafficking – 85% of youth recovered in sex trafficking raids in Southern California were in the foster system.
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Early Parenthood – 56% of 21-year-old women who were formerly in the child welfare system are mothers.
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Poverty – 69% of teens who age out of foster care have been out of work at some point in the last year. *Source: https://lovehasnolimits.com/
We can all do our part to help children in foster care. Here are a few ideas:
Support families who are fostering: We know that in our Catholic Communities many families have opened their hearts and their homes to foster children. Let’s build a community around families who are helping children in need. Your family can be a resource family to families who are fostering!
- Pray for the health and well-being of foster parents
- Help cook meals for foster families
- Sponsor a movie night or family outing for a foster family
More ways to support foster youth:
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Mentoring foster kids through Big Brothers, Big Sisters or KidSave
- Host a family brunch for kids in group homes at the parish
- Host drives for duffel bags or clothes for foster youth
Become a CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained volunteers who represent and advocate for youth in the dependency court system. Each CASA represents the best interests of the child and makes a life-changing difference. Learn more here: https://casala.org/.
Volunteer: Make a difference in a child’s life! Many organizations lack resources and are always looking for volunteers to help with programs and events. Volunteering is also a great way to learn not just about foster care but also an organization’s mission. Contact one of the foster agencies on the LA Archdiocese website.
Help raise awareness: A simple way to help is to create awareness about foster care. Follow organizations on social media and spread the good work they are doing.
St. Joseph, foster father of the Son of God, pray for us!
~St. Luke Life, Justice and Peace Ministry
