It’s the holiday season.
Imagine you are a foster child waking up in a strange bed, in a house full of people you don’t know.
You have no idea what’s going to happen next or when you will see your parents again.
You wonder, does this family celebrate my holiday? Will Santa be able to find me? Will I get presents this year?
...Thousands of Arizona kinship caregivers will soon receive some much-needed economic relief thanks to Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).
“Extended family members play a crucial role in the foster care system by stepping up when a family member is in crisis. But sometimes they can’t afford to...
Time is running out for former foster youth to obtain funds designed to assist them during the pandemic.
Last year, Congress passed the COVID-19 Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to support young adults currently in foster care and former foster youth.
Funding is available to youth between the ages of 14 and...
On the heels of an unexpected record-breaking year for foster parent leads, the Arizona Department of Child Safety has launched an improved orientation experience to boost lead conversion and support prospective foster parents in completing the foster licensure and adoption certification process.
The orientation site incorporates compelling videos...
The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is partnering with businesses and organizations across the state to extend special offers, prizes, gift cards and experiences during National Foster Care Month in May. The celebration is a community wide "thank you" to the people who have opened their hearts and homes to Arizona's most vulnerable children.
...Parenting isn’t meant to be an isolated endeavor.
It takes an entire community to ensure that children grow up safe, strong, and well cared for. Whether a person relies on relatives, neighbors, or caretakers for help; raising a child requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, which is why it is important for parents to stay connected to those around...
Phoenix, AZ (April 2, 2021)
Current and former foster youth can now receive extra support during the pandemic thanks to a new federal law.
The COVID-19 Response and Relief Supplement Appropriations Act increases support for young adults currently in foster care and former foster youth who have not yet turned 27 years old.
“We know the...
Phoenix, AZ (February 9, 2021)
An Arizona father who turned his life around so he could dedicate it to serving his family and his community has been recognized by a national child welfare foundation.
Casey Family Programs recently awarded Edward Casillas with its Birth Father of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates a...
Phoenix, AZ (October 28, 2020)
Homelessness continues to afflict former foster youth in Arizona.
...“I was living from friend’s house to friend’s house,” said former Arizona foster youth Precious Roman. “I just wanted to be on my own and be stable and not have to worry about getting kicked out and not having anywhere else to go.”
Yesterday, the United States District Court granted preliminary approval of a settlement agreement that would resolve a class action lawsuit filed against the Arizona Department of Child Safety in 2015 by Children’s Rights, Inc.
The agreement will benefit the state by avoiding costly, ongoing court oversight of its child welfare...
