We C.A.R.E.
May is Foster Care Awareness Month
photo credit: www.scheartgallery.org
C: Children in foster CARE are boys and girls just like the boys and girls in your neighborhood. They are children of all ages from 0-21 years old and races.
19% are 0-1 year old
20% are 2-6 years old
28% are 7-12 years old
33% are 13 years+
Statistics as of June 30, 2020
Children in foster care in SC: 4,356
Children in foster care in York county: 163
A = Advocate – YOU can help!
YOU can be a formal advocate for a child in foster care through the Guardian Ad Litem program (GAL). GALs serve as the child’s voice in the court system. This is a CRITICAL role and a wonderful opportunity to directly impact the life of a child in care.
York county alone needs 45 new GALs to keep up with the current caseload!
To learn more and find out about upcoming training in June 2021 click here: http://gal.sc.gov/about.html
R = Reasons
Why do children end up in foster care? It is through no fault of their own!!! These are the top 4 reasons children are entering care in South Carolina:
Neglect
Physical abuse of child
Drug abuse by parent
Sexual abuse of child
Other reasons include: abandonment; inadequate/lack of housing; alcohol abuse by parent
E = Everyone!
Decide today - What’s your role? Here are some ideas listed alphabetically.
Adopt
Ask! Ask someone who is caring for the fatherless what you can do to help!
Babysit
Donate clothing or other supplies
Foster
Give a ride
Give financially including sponsor a child for summer camp
Give of your time
Give your talents
Give your talents
Guardian Ad Litem
Kinship care
Make a meal
Mentor a child
Mow a lawn
Pray!
Provide a gift card
Raise awareness
Respite care
Send an encouraging note or text
Sponsor a foster child to go to a special camp: https://lotcarolinas.com/programs-services/the-bridge-camp/
Tutor a child