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Adopt a resolution recognizing the month of May 2024 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution recognizing the month of May 2024 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
Since 1988, the month of May has been designated nationally, originally to recognize foster care providers, referred to as Resource Families in the State of California, and their dedication to caring for children during their most traumatic days. Since that time, the themes of Foster Care Awareness Month have varied to include all partners and efforts need to support children and families. All children deserve to live in a safe, stable, permanent home with nurturing adults, caring families, and strong communities.
This year’s theme of “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” raises awareness about the critical roles of people from all parts of child welfare in equipping youth to leave care with strengthened relationships, holistic support, and opportunities. It also emphasizes the importance of involving young people early and throughout their time in foster care to help create successful outcomes for themselves.
The Health and Social Services’ Child Welfare Services Division (CWS) also acknowledges Resource Families for their outstanding commitment to children each day of the year.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs of preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. The costs associated with the preparation of the resolution are included in the Board’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System report, as of September 30, 2022 in the United States, there are 369,000 children and youth in foster care. Of these, 45,924 are in foster care in California.
According to a 2023 brief prepared by the Annie E. Casey Foundation titled “Fostering Youth Transitions,” 77 percent of eligible youth, ages 14-21 years, exited foster care in the United States without receiving the services necessary to prepare them for adulthood and independent living.
As of February 2024, Solano County Child Welfare Services served 371 youth in foster care, of which 175 are between the ages of 14-21 years and eligible for the federally funded Independent Living Skills Program that is operated by First Place for Youth. Children who reside in foster care require extra support, and this is especially critical at the time youth are transitioning out of foster care and into adulthood. The social workers in Child Welfare Services engage these youth individually, creating transitional independent living plans at 15 ½ years of age that address the youth’s interests, education, and life goals. All youth are referred by age 16 and are eligible for services until age 21. The programming provided by Solano County Child Welfare Services focuses on housing, employment, education, and social/emotional support.
Additionally, according to a report from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago titled “Interrupting the Pathway from Foster Care to Homelessness,” between one-quarter and one-third of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness had spent time in foster care. In Solano County, Child Welfare Services partners with First Place for Youth to provide foster care for non-minor dependents (18-21 years of age), as well as transitional housing for youth that are 18-25 years of age. These housing services include intensive case management and support to ensure the young adults are ready to transition to independence.
Another component of this year’s theme of “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” focuses on the importance of engaging youth. Giving youth a voice and choice is imperative to their development. Along with partnering with youth regarding their transitional case plan, youth are involved in their care through child and family team meetings. These meetings are collaborative, strength-based care planning meetings held for all children and youth in foster care and help ensure that the youth’s voice is prioritized and respected.
Finally, Resource Families are critical partners. Resource Families provide the daily care, love, and support that are necessary for foster youth to thrive and heal from trauma.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve the resolution. This is not recommended because it is an opportunity for the Board to recognize the importance of raising the public’s awareness of foster care and to recognize the contribution of Resource Families in caring for Solano County’s most vulnerable children.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION