For over 30 years, Friends of the Children has empowered youth and families impacted by foster care. Our enrollment focuses on youth highest at risk of entering — or already involved in — the child welfare system.
At least 30% of youth have experienced out-of-home placement and 30% of caregivers have experienced foster care themselves.
Data from a 6-year pilot project show that when families at highest risk of foster care entry have a Friend, children don't go into care: Not a single child with a Friend has entered the system.
Preliminary data from our multi-site randomized controlled trial are showing shorter lengths of stay and fewer foster home placements for children in the program.
Data from a 5-year pilot project show that in families that are reunified, no child with a Friend has re-entered the foster care system.
Promote safe, well-supported children in families
Provide hope-inspiring services that mitigate trauma
Prevent further involvement with the child welfare system
The work Friends do with youth and caregivers is highly individualized and intentional. About 30% of our caregivers were in foster care as a child and 60% of those who had been in care, aged out of care as adults. Our two-generation approach works with caregivers to build parenting skills, empower systems navigation and self-advocacy, and meet concrete needs. Here's what caregivers have to say about Friend's impact:
In partnership with child welfare systems, schools and community-based organizations, Friends of the Children invites children ages 4-6 and pairs them with a salaried, professional mentor - called a Friend - who stays with them from pre-kindergarten through graduation – 12+ years, no matter what.
We work with partners to identify families along the child and family well-being continuum to ensure that our model is serving the children and families who need us most. Ultimately we want all parents to have the supports they need to be the parents they want to be, and for all kids to get to be kids – living safely at home with their families.
