This article is the first in a three-part series on youth who age out of the foster system. In Alabama when a child in foster care reaches the age of 19, they are considered to be “aged out” of the system and are often left...
The start of the school year is approaching and with the impact that inflation is causing to some of our finances, we wanted to put together a list of free resources that will help families that reside in Birmingham, Alabama and in the surrounding areas....
Provide a meal. It doesn’t have to be home cooked! And you can even have something delivered if that works better for you. Provide “everyday” support. Mow the lawn. Pick up groceries. Buy school clothes/supplies. Clean the house (or pay for someone to clean). Give...
How much do you know about reunification as it relates to children in foster care? Reunification is more than a child returning to their biological family after a period spent in the child welfare system. A reunification is considered successful if there is no reentry...
At Foster Coalition, being advocates for foster youth is our number one priority. Every month we focus on supporting the needs of foster youth, but during the months of April and May, we turn our attention specifically to spreading awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and...
Since 1976, our country has celebrated Black History Month during the month of February. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called on the American...
Did you know? There are currently over 5,700 children in foster care in the state of Alabama, but only 2,360 foster homes (AL DHR). Up to 50% of foster parents stop fostering in their first year (nyfi.org). What can we do to help? First, we need to have...
Did you know? According to the Who Mentored You? study, 1.8 million youth have grown up with virtually no adult support. Students who regularly meet with their mentors are 52% less likely to skip a day of school and 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs...
Navigating Emotional and Practical Obstacles The role of a foster parent is an incredibly important one, offering a lifeline to children in need of care, stability, and love. Despite the best intentions, the journey is riddled with emotional and practical challenges that are unique to this...
Part 1 of this 2-part series addressed the lack of foster homes available, the turnover among foster families, and the need for more frontline workers. The following will discuss poverty and mental health. Poverty Poverty has a detrimental effect on both children who are entering and those...