The current foster care system fails to address childhood trauma and the complex needs of children and families with child welfare involvement. Studies show that children placed in foster care have experienced multiple forms of trauma and face lifelong struggles including health problems, homelessness, early pregnancy, arrest, incarceration, and sex trafficking. Up to 80% of children in foster care have significant mental health issues, compared to approximately 18-22% of the general population. Moreover, child welfare and mental health systems are overburdened and underfunded, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed services to this population. ASCF plans to change the trajectory of the lives of children for the better through its six core programs.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt