Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed legislation last month that offers a new permanency option to older youth leaving foster care. In addition to the existing choices of family reunification, adoption or appointment of a guardian, the new SOUL (Support, Opportunity, Unity and Legal) program allows youth ages 16 or older to select one or more adults to form a legal relationship with. This new legal association has most, but not all, features of a parent-child bond, and enrollees are not required to terminate legal relationships with birth parents or siblings. “SOUL Family gives people autonomy to decide who they want to have in their life and keep those relationships that help them heal and get out of the system,” said Kristen Nicole Powell, a Kansas advocate with lived experience in foster care. 



Link to Full Article

In Colorado, a program called Raise the Future pairs caring adults with children in foster care, focusing on older youth, sibling groups, and young people with special needs, allowing them to build relational permanency through mentorship and support. Through providing guidance, stability, and positive relationships, the mentors help youth with foster care experience navigate the challenges of their teenage years and prepare for a successful transition into adulthood. This program helps foster a sense of empowerment and belonging between mentors and mentees. This initiative emphasizes the positive impact of a caring and supportive adult in the lives of youth with foster care experience.



Link to Full Article

Patrick Subaru in Massachusetts recently donated 360 coats to Youth Villages, a nonprofit that provides a variety of services and programs to children and families at risk. The organization’s two primary programs are called Intercept, for children aged 0 to 18, and LifeSet, for young adults aged 17 to 23. Intercept provides in-home services to children and families, with a focus on family stabilization and unification. LifeSet helps young adults transition from foster care by providing assistance with employment, housing, and more. Youth Villages also hosts programs throughout the year to provide client families with essentials like back-to-school items, holiday gifts, and hygiene bags.



Link to Full Article

In Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Danisha Keating, a Grand Canyon University (GCU) alumna with foster care experience, spoke with students in the Fostering Futures program about her journey of earning her Ph.D. Keating connected personally with the students, acknowledging their struggles and offering encouragement and empowerment. Despite facing adversities, such as homelessness and rejections, she persevered, emphasizing the power of resilience and social support. Her inspirational story underscores the transformative impact of determination and community solidarity on the path to success for youth with foster care experience. Dr. Keating hopes to “flip the script” and beat the statistics, empowering young people with foster care experience to attend college and graduate.



Link to Full Article

New home opens for Richmond young adults who have aged out of foster care In Richmond, VA, a collaborative effort between Good Shepard United Methodist, Anthem Healthkeepers Plus, Open Table, and Fostering Acadia transformed an empty house into temporary housing for young adults who have aged out of foster care. The goal is to provide housing and community support for 8 to 10 individuals ages 17 to 20 preparing to exit foster care. The young people who live in the home will receive support from all four partner organizations for two years. This model may be replicated in the future in order to meet the needs of this population.

Link to Full Article

In Los Angeles, CA, the “Fostering Joy Birthday Palooza” event offers a day of fun and celebration for children in foster care with a focus on sibling connection. Fostering Joy, a local nonprofit organization, aims to provide a memorable experience for children who may not have traditional birthday celebrations. At the event, children and families enjoy activities such as face painting, bounce houses, games, food, and birthday cake. The event also illuminates the needs of children in foster care and encourages community support for families, as well as fostering a sense of belonging.



Link to Full Article