Children come into care for complex reasons – but often, it’s as the result of a family struggling with issues like poverty, the legacy of a parent’s childhood trauma, mental health issues, or addiction. When families in crisis receive the support they need, they have vastly improved chances of keeping their family together.

Nearly every young person involved in the child welfare system has experienced trauma at a young age. Early childhood trauma has profound, complicated effects on kids that can linger throughout their entire lives. These issues need to be addressed so they can go on to live healthier lives.

Most of us take swimming lessons, sports, and music lessons for granted as part of growing up – but too often, kids in care are sidelined. And yet, these activities are critical for kids in the child welfare system to help build confidence, self-esteem, an identity outside of being a “foster kid,” and a healthier body and mind.

Kids in care face incredible odds to finish high school – less than half will make it to graduation day. And yet, achieving an education can completely transform their life, meaning better jobs and a chance to break the cycle of abuse, neglect, and abandonment for themselves and future generations.