Trends in Foster Care

Data Brief on Demographic Trends in Foster Care Released by ACYF

A new data brief was released this month by the Office of Data, Analysis, Research and Evaluation (ODARE) and the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF). Recent Demographic Trends in Foster Care documents trends over the last decade in the size and racial and ethnic composition of the foster care population, including select state and county patterns.

Overall the foster care population has reduced in number over the last decade, and the percentage of African American children in care has declined dramatically, although the shifts are largely centralized in a few locations. For more detail the brief can be found on the Children’s Bureau’s website.

"I Have a Dream" Video Now Posted

National CASA Video "I Have a Dream"

This August, in honor of the 50^th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, National CASA asked the CASA/GAL network to share their dreams for the children we serve. Our communications team compiled submissions from across the country, all of which highlight the commitment and caring of the CASA/GAL community. Thank you for being a part of this project, and enjoy the video!

New Resources from the National CASA Association

New Resources – Training Volunteers Around Sex Awareness and Education

It is important for CASA volunteers to be aware and prepared for challenges which involve sexual behavior and/or sexual abuse or exploitation, and also to have access to appropriate resources that can provide guidance to  youth themselves.

A new resource list has now been posted in the volunteer resources area of casaforchildren.org collecting training resources, publications and other links of use to programs and volunteers working with youth at risk of pregnancy, sexual abuse, exploitation and/or trafficking.

The Affordable Care Act Provides Medicaid Coverage for Older and Former Foster Youth

Beginning January 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that states must provide Medicaid coverage for individuals under age 26 who were in foster care at age 18 and receiving Medicaid. This mandatory coverage is available up to age 26, and youth in care at age 18 are automatically eligible. Please ensure that CASA/GAL volunteers currently serving older youth convey that this coverage is available to them, and that the child welfare agency ensures this extension of coverage.


This important provision was actually suggested by a former foster youth serving as a congressional intern to Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), when the intern learned that the ACA allows health insurance coverage under a parent's plan for their children up to age 26.

The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet released a final ruling on whether the extension of Medicaid coverage is portable to another state, i.e., whether it must be recognized by another state if the youth moves to the other state after the age of 18.

Braces For CASA Kids

National CASA Partners with Smile for a Lifetime


National CASA has entered into a partnership with the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation (S4L). S4L is an international nonprofit organization that provides orthodontic care and free braces to underserved children with financial challenges. The mission of S4L is to create self-confidence, inspire hope, and change the lives of children in a dramatic way.

Local CASA staff members are encouraged to nominate youth ages 11-18 who are in need of but unable to afford the cost of braces by taking the following steps:

• Locate a local Smile for a Lifetime Chapter by visiting their website and clicking on the map.

• Once you locate a participating orthodontics office near you, contact the local office to find out more about the program. Most chapters will have an online application available to download and print. The application process is competitive and dependent on the number of applicants and the orthodontic need of each applicant.

• Ensure the youth has any assistance needed to complete and submit the application.

• Write a one page reference letter for the child to include in their application.

Fostering Media Connections Presents Web Series About Sexual Education for Foster Youth

Fostering Media Connections (FMC) presents a new web series: “Let’s Talk About Sex, With Foster Youth.”

Biological parents are usually responsible for having “the talk” but in the lives of foster youth, no one is responsible for teaching teens about safe sex practices and healthy relationships. Young women in foster care are 2.5 times more likely than those not in foster care to have been pregnant by the age of 19, and youth in foster care are at an increased risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Each episode in this series includes interviews with foster youth, the adults in their lives, and experts on a range of topics covering sexual health, family planning, and the psychological issues associated with sexuality. The series has invaluable information for anyone whose role it is to talk with youth about sex and related issues. See the videos and find more resources on FMC’s website.

FMC has launched a “Summer Sex Talk Series” challenge to have at least 30 organizations or individuals host screenings of “Let’s Talk About Sex, With Foster Youth.” Learn more and sign up.

Wings For Life - Facing Challenges

Wings for L.I.F.E.

Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education

“FACING CHALLENGES”
Women Incarcerated with Substance Abuse Issues
…AND…
Facts on Child Abuse & Neglect

Presented By WFL Team Instructors: Teresa Williams, MSW/LADAC
& Sylvia Sadler, MSW Cand/LSAA

…Door Prize Drawings...
Information & map will be provided for this year’s WFL
Bar-B-Que & Swim Party on July 7th at ENMU Campus!

Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
Sunday, June 9th
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Free Dinner Provided

For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042