May is National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness on the plight of children and youth in the foster care system. There are approximately 400,000 children and youth in foster care because their own families are unable to provide for their essential well-being. In addition, an estimated 24,000 young people age out of the foster care system each year with limited supports.

National Foster Care Month highlights the needs of children and youth who need to be in foster care until they can either safely reunite with their parents or establish other lifelong family relationships. The National Association of Social Workers recognizes the critical work of social workers and the increasing need for safe, stable and nurturing environments for children and youth. Social workers play a critical role in working with children, biological parents, foster parents, adoptive parents and kinship care to ensure the proper placement for all children in care.

For social work resources, visit http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/children/2014/fostercare.asp