Foster children may feel alone more than ever now. Not being able to leave home and meet up with friends is hard. That’s why Pen a Friend has expanded. We have many eager pen pals so don’t wait! Apply today!
The Problem
“COVID-19 complicates transition for foster youth aging out.”
Aging out of foster care is already hard. Covid-19 makes it even harder. Youth aging out have to worry about how to keep a roof over their head and food on their table. The crushed economy makes it hard for youth to do this. https://abcnews.go.com/US/covid-19-complicates-transition-foster-youth-aging/story?id=70520612
“The Impact of Covid-19 on Foster Families.”
All children are home now, making it hard on foster families to put food on the table everyday. https://www.thv11.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-foster-families/91-3929e69c-dda9-4d3d-aef0-99c040e76c6d
“More children may enter foster care.”
Staying at home can cause foster youth to have fear and anxiety. Parents can’t send children to babysitters. With everyone in one place with limited resources more people will get hurt. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/more-children-may-enter-foster-care-system-due-to-covid-19-according-to-casa-of-travis-county/ar-BB128Fg9
“Children in NC foster care system.”
Places that prepare families to take in foster children are suspended to the coronavirus outbreak. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/thousands-children-nc-foster-care-system-limbo-due-covid-19-crisis/ACHHCMEANJCWNO7VZD4JFFIN64/
“COVID-19 increases anxiety for children and teens in Indiana foster care.”
Children without a permanent home don’t have anyone to call to talk to if their anxious. Adoptions have been paused, putting children in limbo. Children without permanent homes are also put in a group setting where they are at more of a risk of catching the virus. This also puts them in a place that makes them feel more isolated. https://news.yahoo.com/covid-19-increases-anxiety-children-194300956.html
“Foster parents, DCYF, grapple to deliver care during pandemic.”
Foster parents who are preparing to send their children to their biological families realize that video chatting isn’t enough. https://www.ledgertranscript.com/Foster-Parents-DCYF-Grapple-to-Deliver-Care-During-Pandemic-34330229
“COVID-19 interrupted childhood routines — including mental health visits. Families turn to telehealth for continuity.”
The virus has disturbed foster youth routines. Foster youth that are in need of therapy are now limited. https://www.publicsource.org/covid-19-interrupted-childhood-routines-including-mental-health-visits-families-turn-to-telehealth-for-continuity/
“Foster Care Crisis Appeal.”
More children are in need of foster homes than ever before. https://www.mackillop.org.au/get-involved/donate/foster-care-crisis-appeal
“Foster care challenges during COVID-19.”
The stay at home order prevents foster children from seeing common child abuse reporters like teachers and friends. Courts shutdown puts children and parents in limbo. https://newschannel20.com/news/local/foster-care-challenges-during-covid-19
“Number of kids in foster care spikes during pandemic.”
Foster families are seeing an increase in the number of children needing a home. Fox 16 News: https://www.fox16.com/news/number-of-kids-in-foster-care-spikes-during-pandemic/
“DCS: State will need more foster homes for children following COVID-19 shutdown.”
As states begin to re open, there will be an increasing need for foster homes. The increased stress at home can lead to the increase in child abuse and neglect. https://www.newschannel5.com/news/dcs-state-will-need-more-foster-homes-for-children-following-covid-19-shutdown