A recent national online panel discussion of the US child welfare system indicated that COVID-19 had had both a negative and positive effect. With the decrease in reports of abuse and neglect many state have been rethinking their approach to low-risk cases. Instead of poverty being punished, many states are debating whether there should be an interim step for families struggling by offering support services.
City of Glendale Arizona has launched the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative, a federal-local partnership aimed at stopping homelessness for those aging out of the child welfare system. The program provides vouchers to help cover rental expenses for program participants. The program has helped 800 youth across the country.
A research based in California Los Angeles County examines the educational disenfranchisement of Black youth. The UCLA Black Male Institute report indicates that Black youth in foster care in the county are having negative experiences such as being more likely to be suspended, experience punitive discipline, and more likely to be chronically absent.
The latest fromVoice for Adoption advocacy can be found here.
Update from theHuman Rights Campaign Foundation can be found here.
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