Why so many foster families burn out - and how to stop it from happening
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- čas přidán 28. 04. 2024
- With 400,000 children experiencing foster care, the need for stable foster homes has never been more urgent. But 50% of foster homes close within their first year, often due to a lack of support. Through building “radical community,” National Angels is improving that statistic one family at a time.
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America’s foster care system is facing a critical challenge, with approximately 400,000 children each year in need of nurturing homes. Despite the growing need, about 50% of new foster families withdraw within their first year, overwhelmed by the lack of support and the significant weight of the care they provide. This crisis not only deprives children of stable temporary homes but also exacerbates the cycle of trauma and instability that many of these children face, with many living in more than 20 homes before the age of 18.
Enter National Angels, an organization committed to reversing this trend by bolstering the support network surrounding foster families. Through its innovative approach, National Angels pairs community volunteers with foster families to provide a spectrum of support services, from mentorship and babysitting to group activities, thus addressing the multifaceted challenges foster families and children encounter.
By fostering “radical community,” National Angels has shown remarkable success: 75% of supported families continue to foster, providing children with the stability and care needed to thrive. This model not only sustains foster families but also fosters a transformative impact on children's lives, paving the way for a future where every child can reach their full potential. Watch to see how this unfolds for Abel, who at the age of 15 was removed from his family along with his seven siblings, and is now a thriving college student with a loving home.
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Watch more videos about the people working to heal American families and children in our Healing Families playlist ► • Strong & Safe Communities
And visit Stand Together’s website to learn more ► standtogether.org/
The people who loved my kids through our fostering & adoptions were so critical to us... despite years now having gone by, and now working in this field, this video made me cry- because I know how important it is for kids who have experienced trauma in their young lives to feel like they are Enough. Good enough, smart enough, capable enough. Enough for someone to want to be around them, and not because they have to. Tremendous impact happening here!
Wow. Thank you so much for sharing! This brought tears to our eyes. Cheers to tremendous impact! We can do this - together.
As a first-time grandma to Abel, I am so very proud of him and his accomplishments. Upon his arrival at my daughter and son-in-love's home, he had little thoughts about his future and a pretty hopeless demeanor. He has blossomed! Without the burden of being the parent to his 7 younger siblings, he has dared to dream and is now following his dreams by attending college, and going out of state on an internship this summer. He has gained so much confidence in himself and his abilities and now is showing his siblings that they, too, can Dare to Dream. I have seen firsthand the invaluable support from Austin Angels and their case workers, mentors, and other families. Thank you to Connor, Stevie, Susan, Carly and Crew, Austin Angels, and all involved in sharing Abel's story. The video is great!
Love this!🥰
Thank you for celebrating Abel’s journey with us! It’s inspiring to hear how he has blossomed and is now empowering his siblings to dream big as well. Your story highlights the impact of the supportive network provided by Austin Angels and the dedicated individuals involved. Abel's achievements are a testament to the transformative potential of such care and encouragement. We're grateful to everyone who has played a part in his story. Thank you for your heartfelt message!
Almost three years ago, National Angels was accepted as a partner by the Stand Together Foundation. At my first summit, I sat in class as we watched a FreeThink documentary short highlighting another organization. In that moment, I knew we needed something just like that…something that would tell our powerful story and bring awareness to our potential for radical social change on a national scale. We have the power to change the statistics and outcomes of foster care. The more people know about our programs - the more people we can serve. Thank you to STF for everything you have done and continue to do to help us reach and serve more children, youth and families across our country. I am forever grateful.
We are incredibly proud to partner with an organization as impactful as yours. Your commitment to transforming the foster care system and improving outcomes for children, youth, and families nationwide is truly inspiring. We believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness and drive change, and we're thrilled to see how the documentary has helped amplify your mission. Together, we can continue to expand the reach of your programs and create lasting impact. Thank you for your dedication and for being a part of this transformative work!
Uk here. 20+ Foster homes, 4 children's homes, 2 boarding schools and all the related problems. Keep up the good work 👍
Community & relationships...we all need these so desperately. Amazing to see this in action & the impact being made one person at a time. Beautiful job, National Angels!
People need people and this is such a beautiful example of the power of community!
Community = everything. Thanks so much for the comment!
Amazing the generational change possible when families and youth are surrounded with relationship. What a difference it would make if EVERY city had an Angels chapter to support its foster care community!!
Exactly! This is the vision. This is the goal. We won't stop, until every child is reached.
It truly takes a village!! Connor and Abel's story was beautifully captured in this video! Amazing job!!
Thank you, Bethany! We think so, too. Their bond is an incredible thing to witness, and we know how much it has transformed both of their lives.
It does! Community = everything. We're so grateful that you watched and took the time to comment. Thank you!
Thank you, Stand Together, for the beautiful way you captured our story. Abel and the Millers inspire me everyday, and National Angels IS going to succeed in changing foster care!!!
Better together, Connor! You're an incredible example of exactly what our programs are designed to do. We are so grateful for the way you show up, every single day. You're an inspiration to us all!
It's been a privilege to been able to share your and Abel's story! Truly inspiring.
Connor! You are the best!
Connor! We need more volunteer mentors like you! What an inspiration you are😍
Beautiful Testimony conveyong the absolute value and true purpose of National and Austin Angels. Bravo Bravo and more heartfelt praise. This program Works!❤️💪🏻👏🏻🌞❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Right? So awesome.
Thank you so much for the kind words! This program is amazing!
What a powerful display of the work that National Angels does. Bravo!
Stories like these are happening across the United States. This work is truly life-changing for the foster care community. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment!
A deep sense of belonging. This is what kids in care need. Not a better suitcase to move home to home. Not another toy or gadget. Belonging. Stabilty. Adults in their lives that are committed and solid and make room at the table. Huge gratitude to Abel for sharing his story and his siblings' story. Connor is lucky to have you in his life and know you.
This! Perfectly said! ❤
Tears!! What an incredible story. Can’t wait to see how much National Angels will grow
Our goal is to be in every Metropolitan City across the US. Thanks so much for engaging, Katelynn!
This is the kind of content that truly makes a difference. Thank you for shedding light on the urgent need to change the way children, youth, and families experience foster care and at the same time change the statistics. 🙌
So glad!
What a MOVEMENT! People need to see that there is REAL change happening through National Angels and its chapters all across the US. Community and relationships make all the difference!!
Well said!
Absolutely! You're 100% right.
The power of relationship in 8 minutes flat. Thank you Stand Together Foundation for using your platform to further our reach!
Thank you, Allison, for leading the charge at Bakersfield Angels and changing the way your community experiencing foster care. We are so lucky to have your leadership!
Very powerful story, inspiring to see what National Angels and foster parents are doing to change the lives of these kids
Thank you, Jason! There's more work to do ahead, but we're so proud of our programs and truly believe they have the power to change the foster care experience.
Definitely! Thank you so much for engaging!
Love this story so much, so proud of the work that National Angels is doing to change the way children and families experience foster care.
Thank you, Britt! So much to be proud about. So much work left to do.
We are so grateful to be supporting this incredible cause! Let's make an impact together 🙏
Thank you, Ryan, and everyone at AlterCall. We are so grateful for your support!
Abel is an incredible young man. Connor, too. These programs need to be available across the country. Where can we learn more about current chapter locations? Are they launching more?
Agreed. Thank you so much for commenting! To learn more about National Angels and their chapter locations, visit www.nationalangels.org/find-chapter.html
Yes to this!! What a helpful story to realize it’s not a helpless problem. Thanks for the awareness and opportunity!
What a great mission! Lives are forever changed. I just love it!
This is powerful! Thank you, Stand Together for your belief and partnership. What a beautiful representation of the transformative power of community!
Thank you so much!
This is the power of community! Thank you to Stand Together Foundation for shining a light on the needs of this vulnerable population. Together we can do better! Together we can help change the trajectory for our youth through empowering them to overcome the challenges they face and strengthen our communities.
Yes! Getting this kind of validation from such established players in the social impact sector is a dream come true. We know our programs work. The more people know about our programs - the more people we can serve.
Rebuilding the village one person at a time so that outcomes can change for the best. Thank you for this!
This is it, relationships are the thing that’s going to change foster care. And we all play a part! Let’s goooooo🎉
Yes, we believe that deeply. People need people. In the words of Abel: "Foster care didn't define us. It refined us."
Such an incredible story of the power of community and genuine connection! I love being part of the Angels network❤
Thanks for helping share the message and mission Stand Together! Awesome Work National Angels!
Isn't it incredible? We're so grateful for their support and partnership.
What a powerful message “Stand Together” love others as yourself. Great video!
This is so inspiring! Y'all are doing incredible work and changing lives 👏🏾
Thank you so much for engaging with us! We're so grateful.
Wow! This is so cool. It makes me want to be a Connor! I love to see National Angels using the community to help change the foster care experience. So cool. Community changes everything!
I'm always so inspired by what the National Angels are doing. My mom grew up in foster care, and I wish she would have had such community support.
Wow, Victoria. Thank you so much for sharing. We wish we could've wrapped your mom in radical community, too. Thank you for being here and supporting this work.
Community, Support, and Relationships are the most important thing for raising successful children. Austin Angel's is doing this!
Exactly!
"Our capacity to destroy one another is matched by our capacity to heal one another." This is one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. It so concisely sums up the devastating effects of childhood trauma, while also highlighting the hope for healing that is found in community and healthy, affirming relationships. This is what National Angels is working to see in our communities across the country!
Wow, Julia. That is so powerful! Thank you so much for sharing.
Absolutely inspired by this incredible organization! So grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate and amplify your voices! ❤🎉
So honored to be a part of this organization to come alongside families and youth in foster care and change the statistics!!!!
The consistency of relationships and care has BIG IMPACT. As a part of the Angels Network -- Seattle Angels is honored to help with wrap around support to the whole family. This video is inspiring and shows a glimpse of what can happen with intentional care.
Such an impactful video! To think this kind of community building is happening all across the nation...WOW!
The work National Angels does is incredible - thank you so much for the kind words.
Great testimony of the awesome work of National Angels. What a difference you’re making ❤
Powerful and beautifully made video. Austin Angels and National Angels are changing lives. What a beautiful thing ❤
They do incredible work. Thank you so much for commenting.
To have known this family as they have walked through the last 4 years has been the joy and honor of my life! This video shows just a portion of their journey in relational healing! Thank you Stand Together for your time and investment in telling their story!
This is incredibly amazing LIFE CHANGING work! As a foster/adoptive parent, I see firsthand every day the impacts of trauma. We have a strong village, but I wish so much that we had the Angels programs when we were active foster parents and my older kids were still in care. These precious kids need belonging, connection, support and to know they are loved and worthy to be themselves and grow into their potential. Consistent adults in their lives is the most important factor in helping them achieve this! #changethestats #ACEs
We are an Angels chapter on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. These are our programs! Regular people are changing the way foster care is experienced. We get to see first hand the difference relationships make for the foster care community. Relationships just like our friend Connor's with Abel. Through people simply doing life together, downstream issues are impacted and the outcomes for kids are improved. Such a powerful thing to witness everyday 💫
Excellent story.
Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love how they're tackling a major problem that's often overlooked...supporting the foster family so they can in turn support the children & youth in the best way possible!
Exactly! Thank you for commenting!
Very good work !! Such a sweet story of community and humans doing good work.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words!
Love this and all you do!
Thank you, Zack! Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment so much.
Such a powerful story of success. We can all make a difference in the life of a child.
The power of the community and relationships!! We all need this. Amazing!!
I love seeing the work of this amazing organization! They are such a blessing to so many!
So inspiring!
Thank you, Jacob! Really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Thank you, National Angels, for bringing attention to a topic close to my heart. Foster families play a crucial role in providing love and stability to children in need, but it's disheartening to see so many burn out. Your video offers valuable insights into the challenges they face and practical solutions to prevent burnout. By addressing these issues, we can create a stronger support system for foster families and ensure the well-being of both the caregivers and the children they care for. Abel's journey proves how powerful community support can be. It's not just about fostering kids; it's about fostering hope. Kudos to National Angels for shining a light on this and showing us all a better way forward."
Absolutely incredible ❤
Thank you for your comment!
This video not only showcases the incredible work of National Angels but also highlights the immense impact that the community can make. In a world where so many fall through the cracks, anyone can step in to fill the gaps and offer crucial support where it's needed most. It's not just about providing resources; it's about building a community of support around children and families. Kids need support. Families need support. And so may people across this country are delivering that kind of radical support in spades. Let it remind all of us, that even in the face of challenges, there is always hope-and that by coming together, we can create a brighter future for everyone. That is the kind of world I want to live in. A world where everyone can thrive and where a community steps in and says I want to help, I want to empower, I want to walk alongside you, you matter!
It's so true! Our community-driven programs are designed to harness the power of community...of standing in the gap where systems cannot. Systems don't create deep, trusting relationships. People do. We do. I love what you shared - there is ALWAYS hope. There is so much hope in this work. We're so grateful to Stand Together for shining a light on it.
Thank you so much for sharing this ♥️
What most people would think is an impossible, pointless task to try and take on, National Angels and Susan Ramirez says, it's possible. This documentary is so powerful - thank you for working with them and making this for all of us to see how it's possible to change the narrative around foster care.
"Radical Community" let's go! Love this! Amazing work Stand Together and National Angels 💞
Radical community is the answer!
It's so incredible seeing the impact that even one individual can have for a teen/family, and I hope we can see this replicated for every single child & family experiencing care. By impacting the foster care community, we can impact so many other communities in the long term - so grateful to do this work.
This video offers a glimpse into how Fostering a child not only enhanced the one child, but his siblings as well. He became Empowered to choose himself and let the adults shoulder parenting. Very inspiring, thank you for sharing.
Community changes lives! I am so in love with Austin Angel’s mission and thankful for all of the community members that continue to support this important cause ❤️
So proud to be a part of this amazing organization and get to work each day at pushing our mission forward. ❤
The power of community and connection is so clearly shown through Abel and Connor! I love this video so much and I love that Abel now has the confidence, felt safety and care that he and every other child deserves!!
Wow, wow, wow. I just watched this 3x and it hit me hard. I've always had a heart for kids, but felt unsure about how to help if I couldn't foster myself. Grateful for organizations like this for shedding light on how we can all make a difference, no matter our circumstances.
So so so amazing. The support is transformational and I'm so glad to be a part of it!
This is such an amazing organization and I’m so moved by this leadership and purpose
This is so amazing! 😇
It is! Thank you for commenting!
Thank you so much! We are thrilled that Stand Together Foundation is our partner in this work. Thank you for watching and sharing!
I have been fostering over 25 years and adopted three daughters and my last daughter will be finalize May 13,2024 this video was very touching having support is very helpful and rewarding to both parties with support we as foster parents can continue doing the good and be successful in raising our families I love the Cleveland angels best support group ever
Healthy positive relationships change everything for the better. I have bonded with my Love Box girls for life. I see them weekly and never want that to change. 8 years going strong!
At 18 they are thrown our of the system with no support. No wonder they end up homeless.
This is phenomenal!
How amazing is the shared love of God ! How two young adults, living rich lives, decided to share those lives with four beautiful, hurting, and courageous young people. The moments of joy, of triumph, of learning, of challenges that have shaped the lives of these six who will go on to influence the world. make us all want to help those in our small world. Unselfish love and unconditional love can change the world. What a wonderful program this is. These children in these few years have gotten to experience so many unique opportunities that most kids never get to experience. And the potential these four have to touch the world is mind-boggling!
I could have used a consistent mentor in my life. How cool that Abel had someone like Connor to walk alongside him in his journey. I feel like my life would have been completely different if I had someone who poured in and believed in me. I was really athletic and had dreams as a kid but never did anything with it. I am almost 50 and I often think about what I could have become if I had people who were dedicated to helping me reach my fullest potential. I'm lucky because I have two great sons and I go ALL in on them. I am breaking the cycle. And after watching this it makes me want to be a Connor for someone else. I love that Jana and Chris were highlighted with such honor and dignity. I think this country needs to change the way they think about foster parents. The majority of people are good with great intentions and I love to see a family highlighted with so much dignity and respect. You can tell their responses were genuine in this video. You can also tell that they mean what they say. They feel safe to tell the truth and I imagine that is hard to do in a setting with cameras in your face. Bravo to National Angels and Stand Together for being organizations that are empowering people and changing the narrative.
I aged out of the foster care system and had 8 foster homes in 6 years. At least 2 of those homes I was one of their first placements and they stopped fostering after I left. One of the homes I was their only placement and they quit. I wasn't a kid with behavior issues compared to the average foster youth. I enlisted in the USAF after aging out. I don't think those foster parents were prepared to deal with someone like me nor did they want kids who didn't fit into their families. They wanted to adopt. They figured out adopting from foster care wasn't going to be right for them and they quit. At least from what I experienced (and things could have changed now) the main reason I moved so much was that everyone in my area in Ohio was fostering to adopt and I didn't want to be adopted. I didn't want a new mom. I had a mom I couldn't live with and my foster parents weren't interested in helping me maintain a relationship with my mom after her parental rights were terminated. I didn't want to cut ties with my mom. This resulted in me going to a group home. None of the foster homes I was in wanted to help me - they wanted to expand their families. They didn't want me, they wanted a new daughter who fit into their family. I was a weird kid who liked anime and manga and they wanted to change me - get me to follow their religion and have new hobbies and I said no to that. Thus group home. I had foster parents upset that I was exposing their biological kids to "evil" influence of tv shows on Nickelodeon (Avatar The Last Airbender) and I got punished severely for saying "Jesus F'ing Christ" in front of one foster parent's 5 year old adopted kid. So many of these foster parents I had didn't live in the real world and didn't understand it. They wanted some idealized situation that was unrealistic. But you're not going to be able to recruit foster parents if you tell them what foster youth are like. Not severe behaviors but having their own thoughts and interests. I eventually stayed with a classmate's family after I aged out. They hosted exchange students and had a spare bedroom. They treated me like an exchange student and completely respected my relationship with my mom and who I was. It was the first time I felt entirely validated as a person. They didn't expect me to be their "daughter". I was me. Nothing could have fixed any of my foster families to do that - they were entirely focused on religion and the bible and they were absolutely inflexible. There was one way of doing things. And yet they were approved to foster and given a kid who was clearly going to clash with them.
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story. It's deeply moving to hear about your journey through the foster care system and the challenges you faced with foster families who were not prepared to meet your needs as an individual. Your experience underscores the importance of better preparing and supporting foster families to handle a wide range of needs and expectations, not just those aligned with the goal of adoption. Thank you again for your courage in sharing your story. It's voices like yours that can drive meaningful change in the foster care system.
So impactful!
Such a touching story!
People need people! This is so inspiring!!! ❤
This is so awesome. Austin Angels is the best!!!
I would love to be a foster family BUTTTT, I know I cannot give a child back to a bad situation. It’s easy to say that’s not my place to say. The problem is, children have no actual advocates. They should have court appointed attorneys that watch parents like a hawk. My mom was in 12 different foster families. Why? Because they kept taking her away from the great fosters and putting her back with her alcoholic, abusive father. It’s ridiculous. I had a very abusive upbringing on my dad’s side. Forced by court systems to go to his house, essentially manipulated into believing it was on me to build a bond and excuse the abuse. Parents that refuse to grow, accept help, take proper medication or whatever do not deserve to have the children back in their homes. It’s not about them. Where are the child advocates to speak the importance of safety & security into these parents. Then explain if you can’t be that, be there from the outside and let them grow. It sucks, I know. Children deserve a better experience.
Thank you for sharing this. Such a testimony that we must do better. Sending love and support to you
It takes a village and with some help, we can make the difference between foster parents giving up or providing continuity and “normal” for a child that desperately needs it.
Amazing!🎉
I always wanted a son. I lost 3 sons in the 5th and 8th month of pregnancies (with my late gf and with my ex) , My issue is I only have a one bedroom apartment. I have a daughter, 19 but always wanted a son so bad. Not sure if anything can be done. It would complete my life.
Or you could give that kind of support to the children's families instead of putting them in foster care and uprooting their lives and traumatizing them in the first place.
In some situations, it is safer for the child to be placed in foster care, and in other situations such as the child losing both parents, it can be the only option. And with sufficient support for those foster families, many children find loving and supportive forever families in their foster homes.
However, you raise a good point - our systems should prioritize making it possible for happy families to remain a unit, wherever possible. We'd love to point you to two more fantastic organizations we work with that focus on keeping families together:
1) Brigid's Path, an organization that keeps mothers suffering from addiction and their newborn babies united after birth, so they can heal together rather than be painfully separated: czcams.com/video/32XLmwbkc-k/video.html
2) CarePortal, an app that connects families who have monetary or resource needs with supporters who can meet their needs in real time and stop children being placed in foster care: czcams.com/video/QZXFA8QMrcw/video.html
We hope you enjoy the videos and thank you so much for engaging 🙏
I completely agree, they can have a community and help and counseling to the families first. With all the help they offer they should keep the children with their families.
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Great testimony of the awesome work of National Angels. What a difference you’re making ❤
Great testimony of the awesome work of National Angels. What a difference you’re making ❤
We agree!