How do we make sure that we establish quality resources and support systems so children aging-out of foster care are not reliant on the state?

By giving them the opportunity to connect and feel heard – Building their Social Capital. Kids, and teens especially, need to know that someone else is out there willing to help them. Not because it’s their job, but because they can and they want to.

I truly believe that every child is one adult from being successful.

When I look back at my time in Foster Care, I don’t think that the people who impacted my life the most even know the role that they played. A case manager, a counselor, the school librarian. These were people that changed my life. Even if you can’t foster or adopt you can become a mentor or an advocate.

Reach out to your local CHS and see what you can do.

Kids need resources outside of what an agency can provide. They need to build their own network of resources. So often people want to change the world, but what we really need to focus on is how a child views the world. Show them someone cares.

This is the time to get involved.