CC 2019-03-26_06c Foster Care Awareness PresentationChild Welfare ServicesFelipe Gonzalez,Program Review Specialist/ Lead RecruiterItem 6.c. - Page 1
Did you know:SLO County received 1,014 referrals from 10/1/2018 to 12/31/2018As of 1/2019 we had 372 children in foster care in our CountyItem 6.c. - Page 2
What kind of kids are in foster care?Gender is split evenly at about 50% between male and female children31% are under the age of 5, 26% between 6 and 12 and 42% are age 13 or older46% have been in foster care less than one year, 20% between one and two years44% are placed in homes more than 11 miles from their home of removal Item 6.c. - Page 3
Local StatisticsCity of Arroyo Grande and Surrounding AreasIn the Arroyo Grande Service Area (Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, and Shell Beach) in 2018, the Department of Social Services received 1053 child abuse and neglect referrals and of those referrals, 94 were substantiatedWith around 70 children, youth and teens coming into care from the Arroyo Grande service area, only 38.5% or 27 youth are able to be placed in an Arroyo Grande resource family homes.Given our current statistics this means that:22 youth from the Arroyo Grande Service Area are ages 0-518 youth are ages 6-1229 youth are ages 13 or olderItem 6.c. - Page 4
What can we do?Our goal is for every child to obtain permanency with a Loving Family who will support all their needs Permanency can be:Return to the birth home (preferred)AdoptionLegal GuardianshipLong term Foster CareItem 6.c. - Page 5
How we can partnerMay is National Foster Care Month! Help us get the word out!Item 6.c. - Page 6
Using the Power of Local GovernmentIn order for the Department of Social Services to overcome the ever-growing deficit of resource family homes, it is critical to raise as much awareness as possible to the need.We are asking our local city council representatives to use their voice to help raise awareness about the needs for more resource family homes during the month of May. This could be done in many different and creative ways:Write-Ups in Monthly NewslettersSocial Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTubeHosting Foster Youth Inspired Art at City Hall LocationsItem 6.c. - Page 7
Together, we can find a home for every child!!Thank you Arroyo Grande City Council for your time and consideration!Item 6.c. - Page 8