BGCA’s Katie Anderson is back on ClubX with the first in a two-part series on supporting youth in foster care.
May is National Foster Care Month, a great time to learn more about the child welfare system and how it impacts the families and children that interact with it. There are nearly 365,000 youth currently living in foster care in the US. Foster care is a broad term that can include traditional foster care (placement with a licensed non-related family), kinship care (placement with a biological family member or a close family friend, also called fictive kin), permanent or temporary guardianship, and other housing arrangements. Regardless of how, when, or why a young person enters the foster care system, they have all endured trauma and may need extra support. Here are three ways that your Club can support members who are living in foster care.
Protect their story.
Entering foster care is a traumatic event in a young person’s life, and often follows long stretches of repeated trauma. These youth suddenly find themselves in new homes and sometimes new schools, and often aren’t given much choice in those decisions. They may lose their sense of safety, self-advocacy, or self-esteem. You can help a member living in foster care start rebuilding their sense of safety and control by protecting their story. Allow the youth to choose if, when, and where their story is shared. This includes protecting information about their case that may be shared with you, not speculating on what may have happened to them prior to joining the Club, and not revealing that the youth is in foster care to other youth, and only to other staff on a need-to-know basis.
Honor their story.
If a member in foster care does choose to share their story, honor that demonstration of trust. Do not speak badly of a member’s biological family, even if the youth does it themselves. Don’t invalidate their experience with phrases like, “You’re so lucky to be with your new family” or “Remember that everyone has struggles in life.” Instead, offer support in affirming ways such as thanking the member for sharing their story with you, reassuring them that they are safe at the Club, and that they can come to you with any needs. Keep foster care youth in mind when facilitating activities based around families, such as family trees or Mother’s and Father’s Day crafts, by including instructions to include any adults that care for them, or providing an alternative activity.
Important note: If a young person discloses suspected child abuse or maltreatment, Club staff are mandatory reporters and must follow applicable state law. Be upfront and honest with the youth and explain what you are going to do and why you are required to do so. Youth in foster care may be especially sensitive to the reporting process. Club staff can learn more about their legal obligations as mandated reporters on BGCA.net.
Be a part of their story.
Youth are in foster care for an average of one to two years, but many experience far shorter or far longer durations. Youth may also move between foster homes as their case changes, as they age, or as their needs change. Sadly, nearly 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system each year without a permanent family. Consider pairing older youth in foster care with vetted, trained mentors who can be a trusted adult in their corner. If your Club offers field trips that have an additional cost, set up scholarship funds so that foster care youth are able to access these experiences. No matter how long a member is with you at the Club, seek to create a safe and supportive environment for them. Your efforts will be remembered and will follow them throughout their life.
Be sure to come back for part two on how to support foster parents within your Club. Subscribe with your email at the bottom of this page so you never miss a new post! You can learn more about the foster care system at the Child Welfare Information Gateway. Learn more about Trauma-Informed Practice on BGCA.net.
What are your best strategies for supporting youth in foster care? How does your Club meet the unique needs of youth and families in your community? Let us know! Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
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