Is There Safety In These Numbers?

I have always been told that there is safety in numbers.  Whether taking a late night bus ride, going to a night club or simply taking a tour of a new city the mantra is still the same – it’s safer to be a part of a group.  Does this still ring true when we consider the youth in the foster care system in our country?  The numbers of children and youth in foster care in the United States has been steadily on the incline.  Let’s take a look.

The Foster Care Numbers

According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) FY 10 data October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010, there were 408,425 children in foster care on September 30, 2010.  Four hundred eight thousand, four hundred and twenty five children and youth ages 0 to 20 years were in foster care last September.  The largest percentage (8%) was age 17.

Where were these children living?

A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting

What does “A Teen’s Life Is Worth Documenting” mean to you?

For a child in the foster care system it probably means those words that are written about them in their personal file.  You know the file that precedes them at every meeting, placement, and court hearing.  The file that attempts to explain the reason they entered foster care, the length of time in the system, the changes in schools, the number of foster placements, health concerns, and any mental health screenings and diagnoses. The file containing this documentation is extremely important right? Essential even?!

I’m not speaking of the file that documents the thoughts and judgments of countless social workers, lawyers, doctors, and educators and barely contains the views of the youth in foster care. The accomplishments, aspirations, and support systems in a teen’s life are worth documenting.  Every teen is unique and full of promise and potential.  My teens document their lives in a professional portfolio — a visual tool that gives employers, recruiters, scouts, and mentors a complete picture of who you are.  I believe that a professional portfolio can be an integral element not only in building skills and confidence in youth but also in helping them develop and maintain crucial personal and professional connections.