Foster Care Statistics Poll Commissioned by CASA
August 13, 2009
Interesting results from recent poll on foster care. Thanks to Lin at childrenwithoutavoiceusa.org for sending our way!
A national online Harris Poll commissioned by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association found that most adults know little about foster care or the experience of children in care. The poll was conducted in December 2008 and gathered data from 2,281 adults about their impressions of the foster care system and its impact on children. Results were weighted to reflect the whole U.S. population. Key findings indicate the following:
83% of adults knew very little about the experience of children in care.
31% knew someone who was or had been in foster care.
45% reported negative impressions of foster care, and 11 percent reported positive impressions (the remainder were neutral or did not have enough information to decide).
11% thought that children were in foster care because of something the children did, although the majority strongly disagreed and tended to blame the biological parents.
87% agreed that improving the foster care system should be a national priority.
In a press release about the poll’s findings, the National CASA Association contrasted the poll results with a focus group study conducted earlier in the year with 50 youth currently or formerly in foster care. These youth present a different picture, with many of the youth developing into determined individuals, optimistic about their future. They felt that the difficulties they had faced had made them stronger. Many cited disruptions in schooling and problems finding resources after leaving foster care as major obstacles; however, they noted that the support of a significant adult—like a CASA volunteer—can help them overcome some of these challenges. For more information, visit www.casanet.org.
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7 Responses to “Foster Care Statistics Poll Commissioned by CASA”
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good website.
i feel that being a foster child myself, that children are not being taken care as good as they should. The government has little if any regulations on being a foster parent. there are few background checks and visits to the home
Thank you so much Jennifer and I will keep in touch
I would just like to share my story and how I was able to succeed when the odds was against me.
http://ctbrazil.blogspot.com/
Hello Clemmie,
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I placed your entire story on the site also:) Great job on winning the contest too:) Congrats!
Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I produce documentaries on Social Issue in America. My film that I am editing at this moment is about children being abused through the foster care system. It is a broken system and people really need to be educated about this. I pray for every child in foster care because the system does not understand what is like to be a child in foster care. A lot of the times we are perpetuating a cycle instead of breaking a cycle.
At this time I am doing my research to start a program for youth “aged out” of foster care. Unfortunately, I keep hitting road blocks. If anyone could point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated!
The program is based on a 2yr lifestyle plan. The “plan” will house 30-40 “aged out” youth @ a time (without dependents as resources @ this time do not allow). While teaching life skills such as social skills, work training & ethic, & setting up savings plans upon “exiting” the program. Upon” exit”, many will be placed in rehabed foreclosed homes & rented for cost, with option to purchase. We will also provide emotional support, resources, & continue to develop additional services to promote as close to healthy “norm” lives for the future.
Any ideas or additional information, would be helpful. Thank you
Brandi Wiggington