The Silent Crisis

Studies examining the influence that affection and attention have on humans have found that children who receive consistent, supportive care from at least one caretaker as they grow up are more likely to do better in school and have healthy relationships and are less likely to abuse substances, commit crimes or become homeless (CCAI).

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time of the year to focus on family. It’s also the perfect time to make a difference together. Here are three non-adoptive ways you can make a tremendous impact:

1. Learn more about the situation:

Currently there are well over 400,000 children in the system. In a given year 250,000 children will enter the foster care system, a lot of whom will remain in the system. 20,000 young adults will age out of the system without ever having a permanent family.

You can make a difference by being more aware of what the situation looks like in your own local community. Click on this link and choose your state in the drop-down menu under the national map. It will take you to a page specific to your state. I challenge you to find how many children are in your state awaiting permanent homes as well as their average age (hint: it’s near the bottom of the page).

It’s important to remember that each of these statistics is a person - with a first and last name. They are children with no voice, no advocate and no home. They are our neighbor.

2. Support local efforts:

There are many local efforts who could use your help. At the bottom of your state’s page are resources and support groups. This is a great place to find contact information.

You can also help a family that has chosen to open their home to a child in foster care. Can you rake their leaves, provide a freezer meal or two, or even offer to fold or wash laundry? This little help will go a long way!Providing respite care is another way to make an impact. You’ll have to check with your state regarding requirements, but respite care is a short-term, low commitment way to make a difference in the life of a child in the foster care system.

Small things add up. The key is being intentional and actually doing something. Starting local and understanding the situation in your community are great ways to make a big impact.