“Foster Care as a Support to Families, Not a Substitute for Parents...”The theme of Foster Care Month, May 2020, revolves around support to families. The emphasis is, once again, “Foster Care as a Support to Families, Not a Substitute for Parents.” This repeat emphasis reflects a continuing concern that the foster care system, as a social safety net, is failing. Concurrently, the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018, brings enormous change to a system already in turmoil.
There are a number of trends that continue to place the foster care system under strain. These still include: An increase in the number of children removed due to drug abuse by parents; strained budgets for agencies supporting foster youth; the controversy over privatization; a stagnant income for most Americans; a shortage of foster parents and lack of training for them; and, of course, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the lives of foster children. Also, it is becoming clear that already traumatized youth are in need of specialized support programs. How does the emphasis on placement with family help these children? Since the theme for 2020 is unchanged, here’s a review of some of the major news stories about foster care coverage from 2019 after establishment of the Family First Act... media coverage of foster care in 2019 after the establishment of the Family First Act
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An Announcement...We’re happy to announce that Kirkus Reviews has included “Another Place Called Home: Surviving Foster Care” in its June 2020 selection of “17 Great Indie Books Worth Discovering.” This important recommendation came just as Foster Care Month 2020 has been commemorated, and it is a very important publishing milestone for us, especially as it highlights our status as an indie publisher!
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