Did you know?
-
There are over 513,000 children and teens residing in foster care nationwide.
-
There are 23,000 children in foster care in Los Angeles County.
-
Every two minutes a child enters the foster care system.
-
Almost half of foster children spend at least two years in the foster care system, and nearly 20 percent wait five or more years for a safe, permanent family.
-
Every year, more than 20,000 older youth "age out" of foster care without a permanent family to support them.
According to FosterCareMonth.org if nothing changes by the year 2020:
-
Nearly 14 million children will be confirmed as victims of child abuse and neglect;
-
22,500 children will die of abuse or neglect, most before their fifth birthday; children will die of abuse or neglect, most before their fifth birthday;
-
9,000,000 more children will experience the foster care system; more children will experience the foster care system;
-
More than 300,000 children will age out of the foster care system, most with inadequate support to build successful adult lives; and
- 99,000 former foster care youth, who have aged out of the system, can expect to experience homelessness. former foster care youth, who have aged out of the system, can expect to experience homelessness.
May is Foster Care Awareness Month
Be a part of the change. Help Hillsides youth’s voices be heard. Band together and wear BLUE to support those affected by foster care.
During the month of May, Hillsides, the Pasadena children's charity, will participate in the Band Together campaign to encourage volunteers and supporters to wear a blue band around their index finger in an effort to improve the lives of those in foster care and fight child abuse and neglect.
"We encourage everyone to wear blue, a blue band, or a blue ribbon to show their support in this significant way," said Laura Kelso, Hillsides director of community resources. "By supporting the Band Together campaign, we are raising public awareness of the issues that affect the children we serve."
Foster Care Awareness Month is also a way for children's charities like Hillsides to thank the countless relatives, mentors, caregivers, advocates, social workers, donors and volunteers who have helped us create safe places for special education and foster care children throughout Southern California. We thank you for your continued support.
For more information visit:
www.bandtogether.org
www.FosterCareMonth.org
WEAR BLUE
Support those in foster care
How I can help children at Hillsides:
My talents are:
I can show my support by wearing:
|
