DID YOU KNOW:
As of the most current reporting period of September 2006, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tells us there are over 500,000 children in foster care in this country. 
The Mean and Median is approximately 10 years of age.
Over 40% of children in foster care are with non-family members.
Almost 90% of these children receive an agency subsidy, which is equivalent to welfare.
I grew up having friends that were in the foster care system. Their lives had a significant impact on me as a person. In every case, their foster parents provided a safe haven, but they went without many things I took for granted and they were still wounded from previous battle scars.
Somehow, throughout my life I've become friends with others that have become foster parents themselves. A few have even gone on to adopt many of those they've fostered. I've often wondered and asked them how they do it. One thing is certain, huge sacrifices are asked of and made on everyone's side - sometimes gratefully and other times not so.
I remember being a teen. I remember raising a teen. It wasn't easy in either case. And while I've never been in foster care, I have heard from both sides of the fence about what it's like being a teen or raising one in foster care and I hate to be so blunt, but I'd much rather have walked in my own shoes.
Thankfully, there's a national network; a 501 (c ) 3 non-profit organization known as FosterClub meeting the needs of these youth. They provide a voice, an ear, and personal growth outlets for those in foster care.
FosterClub says that child abuse is the number one social concern among teens in the United States. We're worried about the economy, teens are worried about safety. It's enough to make you cry, isn't it?
I'm grateful FosterClub exists. I'm grateful youth have an avenue to make a difference in their lives. I'm grateful I have an avenue to make a difference in the lives of the youth in this country that are in foster care through no fault of their own and I'm hoping you will be too. Foster parenting is not for everyone. There are many other ways to offer support. You can find additional information about supporting FosterClub and youth in foster care here.
Jackie
Yeah, I adopted a nephew of mine who had a troubled past and it's very difficult, but you can offer an environment of structure and love that they need and really make an impact in their lives.
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