America’s lost children, words often used to describe the 496,000 American children and youth in our foster care system. The average age of foster children is 10-years-old and unfortunately, the older the child, the less likely they are to be adopted. Instead, the majority are shuffled from group home to temporary foster home until they are 18. Once they are 18, they “age out” of foster care. This means they no longer receive financial support, medical insurance or housing from the government. 54% of these children will get a high school diploma, 2% will get a bachelor’s degree.

About a year ago, I began tutoring two children that have been shuffled in and out of foster care for most of their lives. My heart broke the first time I saw these adorable little girls. They were scared, behind in school and didn’t know what home meant. Over the last year, our relationship has grown, they aren’t as scared and they know every Wednesday I’ll be there. May is National Foster Care Month and the perfect time to start taking action.

Here are several ways you can takepart:

If you have a few minutes:

1. Send a care package to a foster care alum attending college.
2. Donate goods such as suitcases, books, games, computers, sports equipment, musical instruments, clothing, and school supplies to young people in foster care.

If you have a few hours:

1. Volunteer to help a foster care program in your state.
2. Help young people in foster care (and their caregivers) improve their financial literacy and gain practical money management skills.
3. Become a virtual mentor for a young person in college. Expand the circle of support for a youth in foster care as an email/online pen pal.

If you have a few weeks:

1. Learn how to help a youth in foster care explore career options and acquire new job skills.
2. Become a Volunteer Tutor! Foster children change schools often and need academic support. Contact your local foster care agency, Boys and Girls Clubs, library or YMCA to inquire about volunteer tutoring.

If you have more time:

1. Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent. Caring families are especially needed for older youth, siblings, and children with special needs.
   
2. Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are trained citizens appointed by judges to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children.

(photo c/o oude school’s flickr photostream - creative commons)