Why?
In Colorado, there are hundreds of teens living on our streets, many of whom emancipated from the foster care system. There are hundreds more ready to join them.
Children end up in foster care because of abuse, neglect, and instability. On any given day in the US, there are more than 400,000 children in the foster care system. Every year more than 23,000 will age out of the system and 20% will become instantly homeless.
Cobbled Streets is going 'upstream' to serve younger foster children to promote their health, growth and development, and prevent them from emancipating from the foster care program to the streets
and homelessness.
Foster kids need to be cherished. They need to be given the same encouragement, support and opportunities we give our own children. And in return they will give us a better world.
FRACTURED
Child Welfare Systems across the country are struggling and reform efforts and resources have been limited. These systems need to be reimagined. Brain science, trauma informed decisions, and societal changes bring critical information to challenge the status quo.
There is an urgent need for change.
How?
AWARENESS
Research in brain science has determined the dramatic impact of trauma on foster kids and homeless youth. This science and the voices of youth will form the basis for recommendations critical to reforming the foster care system.
In a recent national report, which captures the voices of 200 former foster youth from across the country, the following priorities were suggested to help foster youth HEAL AND DEAL with trauma.
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Intentionally introduce a shared vocabulary for talking about loss
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Provide diverse tools and methods for healing from trauma
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Cultivate a supportive, stable environment that young people can depend on
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Engage youth as the experts in their own healing
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Encourage young people to share their stories of trauma and healing
To read the entire report go to - agedout.thinkof-us.org
Excerpt from Aged Out: How We're Failing Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care
By: Sixto Cancel, Sarah Fathallah, Marina Nitze, Sarah Sullivan and Emily Wright-Moore
Last updated: December 17, 2020
What?
Cobbled Streets is 501 (c)(3) that focuses on providing experiences and opportunities for foster children while promoting healthy relationships with adults. These opportunities take many forms, such as art, sports, equine therapy, and many others, providing transformative experiences for kids in foster care. Find out more here - Cobbled Street Programs.
