Back to School!
But for children in foster care, it can be daunting and challenging.
For many kids, back to school is an exciting time filled with new opportunities and experiences. But for children in foster care, it can be a daunting and challenging period.
The Reality for Foster Youth
In the U.S., approximately 400,000 children are in foster care at any given time. These kids face significant educational challenges:
- High Risk of Dropping Out: Foster youth are at a much higher risk of dropping out of school.
- Low College Attendance: Many foster youth are unlikely to attend or graduate from college.
However, a connection to a permanent family can make a substantial difference:
- 23% More Likely to Graduate: Foster youth connected to a permanent family are 23% more likely to graduate.
- 50% More Likely to Attend Secondary Education: These youth are also 50% more likely to pursue higher education.
How You Can Help
As YGB youth and families prepare for the new school year, your support can make a world of difference. Here's how you can get involved:
Make a Donation
Individuals 70½ or older can directly donate up to $100,000 from their IRA without facing income taxes, known as a qualified charitable distribution.
- $20 Goes toward getting youth supplies they need to start the school year.
- $45 Covers the cost for YGB support staff to get to a youth for a personalized check-in .
- $75 Goes toward critical sessions with one of YGB’s Adoption-Competent Therapists
- $250 Provides twice weekly virtual meet-up for families to check in, talk with YGB staff and each other to get through transitions.
- $500 Covers the cost of our home study program that is required to certify an adoptive family.
Send Notes of Encouragement
Transitioning to a new school can be overwhelming, especially for foster youth starting in unfamiliar environments. Your notes of encouragement can provide the support and confidence they need to succeed.
Spread the Word
Share our campaign on social media to raise awareness about the critical need for permanent families for foster youth.
Success Story: Meet Faith
After spending 15 years in the foster care system, Faith was adopted at age 19. Before her adoption was official, Faith and her new family were already experiencing the benefits of their connection. With her parents’ support, she graduated high school at 18 despite the challenges she faced in the system. On her graduation day, Faith celebrated her achievement while advocating for the educational needs of her peers still in foster care. Her story exemplifies the transformative impact of having a permanent family.
Join the Community: Be Part of the Solution
Your financial support directly funds our vital work of connecting foster youth with permanent families. It takes a village to support these kids and help them reach their highest potential. Join us today:
Share
Spread the word about our campaign and the importance of permanent families.