Foster children

July 9, 8:47 PMSan Diego Foster Families ExaminerDavid Isley

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Children that have been removed from their biological parents
due to:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• emotional abuse
• child’s behavioral problems
• child’s treatment needs
• domestic violence in the home
• neglect

One factor that is often overlooked is; lack of information provided to families in need of assistance in order to care for their child properly. Sometimes, families will voluntarily place their children in the foster care system. These children are legally placed by the state in county, adoption or foster care agencies, and cared for by trained and licensed foster parents. These placements are either short or long-term. Foster Children will stay in “the system” until they are reunited with their biological-parents, or until their parents voluntarily consent to their adoption by another family, or until the child reaches the age of emancipation.

The foster care system has changed a lot between 1960 and 1980. Has the foster care system changed enough? It could still use alot of improvements:

1. More funding - the fiscal restraints at the state level for foster care is a major problem and should be addressed.

2. Better foster homes where foster parents are constantly monitored and held accountable for their actions as well as the agencies that place Our Children into the homes.

3. Foster and adoptive families need the proper resources to provide a stable environment.

4. Agencies need to be staffed with trained, qualified employees who understand the needs of Our Children.

5. Social Worker to child caseload ratio should be manageable; one in which they can properly provide services for each child.

6. There needs to be a better plan for Our Children when they become emancipated. There are a few programs, but not enough information or guidance to put them on the path of independency.

7. A large proportion of foster children suffer with mental health issues which often display disruptive behavior, school problems, and  problems in the home. Do we have the funds to provide proper mental health services? This is a serious issue that needs addressing.

8. Children go through repeated school transfers, missing records, and having to learn new material.

9. Some children in foster care do not receive proper medical treatment. A large number require continuous medical care and those needs are not properly met due to lack of funding.

10. It is frustrating for foster parents when Medi-Cal cards are not always immediately accessible for children that need emergency services.

Nationwide, the current system is not perfect; and it does need some work.  Our non-profit agencies should not have to write grant after grant or beg for  donations when this should be automatic when it comes to Our Children. It seems that more funds are provided for those in other countries than here in the US. Shouldn’t our own children come first? Our “big businesses” are making millions and billions of dollars because theyare selling a product. Non-profit means – NO PROFIT!  They're not selling children. There are quite a few agencies that do what they can with what funding they have. We all can take part by advocating for Our Children and ensure that agencies have the proper tools to take care them.

For more information, contact Child Welfare League of America.