In 2019, over 672,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care. May is National Foster Care Month, a time dedicated to bringing awareness to the growing number of children requiring support and the professionals who help youth find permanent homes. EAC Network strives to improve the lives of foster care youth through various services and programs.
Why is National Foster Care Month Important?
One study showed that 90 percent of foster youth who have had five or more placements will be involved with the juvenile justice system. To decrease those numbers, it is imperative that children in foster care are given proper mentorship and the opportunity to succeed both in school and in their lives.
Advocacy and awareness are needed to ensure that these children are given the proper care and resources to navigate the foster care system and lead normal lives.
How EAC Network Programs Provide Help
EAC Network is a diverse social service agency that empowers, assists, and cares for people in need across Long Island and New York City. Since 1969, our organization’s objective has been to reach individuals within the community through innovative programs that improve the quality of life of those in the foster care system.
Our professional experts and compassionate volunteers help to Empower, Assist, and Care for those in need. Over 100 programs are available in the following areas:
- Children and Youth
- Family and Community
- Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice
- Senior and Nutrition Services
- Vocational Services
Chance to Advance
Under foster care, children are at a higher risk of incarceration, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and lack of self-esteem. About 70 percent of kids in foster care fail to complete high school and often end up needing public assistance in adulthood.
Chance to Advance is a foster care and adoption advocacy program in which trained mentors assist youth in connecting with enrichment programs and extracurricular activities. In addition, our program provides college and vocational coaching, promotes independent living skills, and encourages self-esteem necessary for future success.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
When children have been neglected of basic parental care, abused, neglected, or awaiting adoption, they can be matched with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). EAC Network’s CASA program advocates for these children with assistance from the community.
Together, we strive to solve problems, improve collaboration, help access resources, and assist family courts to ensure children live in safe, nurturing homes. Studies have shown that children with an assigned CASA mentor tend to spend less time in court and within the foster care system.
How to Get Involved and Make a Difference
How will you be getting involved this National Foster Care Month? Regardless of how you choose to participate, you can make a positive impact by volunteering or donating to EAC Network programs that strive to improve the lives of children in foster care. Even the smallest contribution can make a difference!
