Foster care is a year-round responsibility, not just a one-month cause

Kim Vehon

Submitted photo

Awareness is important, but action is what truly changes lives. Foster care isn’t a seasonal issue; it’s an everyday reality for thousands of children.”

Every May, National Foster Care Awareness Month brings a surge of attention to the more than 368,000 children in foster care across the U.S.. People share statistics, donate and express support, but what happens when June arrives?

Too often, the spotlight dims, and our most vulnerable children fade into the shadows. But the needs of these kids don’t disappear when the calendar flips. The deepest impact happens when we commit to showing up for children and families affected by foster care year-round. 

Families and children impacted by foster care face immense challenges. According to the Arizona Department of Child Safety outcomes report, Arizona has 46% fewer foster families than reported in 2020. We still have more than 10% of Arizona’s children living in group home settings. And, even worse, between 31% and 46% of youth exiting foster care will end up homeless by the age of 26, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

These statistics are not just numbers. They represent real people who are struggling, often alone. We cannot afford to limit our concern for them to a single month. 

What does year-round support look like? It starts with sustained engagement. Volunteering at a group home, becoming a mentor, providing respite care or offering job training to young adults transitioning out of the system are all critical supports that offer year-round hope for change.

Stepping up to become a foster parent is more important now than ever, but these families need to be supported by their community through resources, training and respite care to gain the resilience needed to succeed. Businesses and community organizations can also play a pivotal role by offering internships, job opportunities, and directly engaging with organizations that support this population to help youth build a stable future. 

Legislators and policymakers have the power to initiate real change from consistent action in addition to an annual proclamation. There is a need for policies that improve access to quality education, mental health services and affordable housing for foster youth to be prioritized throughout the year.

We must advocate for systemic changes that remove barriers and create opportunities for these young people long after the awareness campaigns end. 

If you were moved to act during observance months like Foster Care Awareness Month, don’t let that passion fade. Foster children need you every single month. Consider how you can make a lasting impact. Whether it’s through mentoring, fostering, donating or simply staying informed and advocating for policies that support these kids; you can help. 

Awareness is important, but action is what truly changes lives. Foster care isn’t a seasonal issue; it’s an everyday reality for thousands of children. Let’s commit to showing up for them, not just in May, but all year long. 

Editor’s note: Kim Vehon is CEO of Mesa-based Foster Arizona, a nonprofit that provides resources, training and advocacy for foster families across the state. She is a mother to seven children, four of whom she adopted after fostering. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.