Finding Families for Black Youth in Foster Care

by Kidsave International
Finding Families for Black Youth in Foster Care
Finding Families for Black Youth in Foster Care
Finding Families for Black Youth in Foster Care
Finding Families for Black Youth in Foster Care

Project Report | Nov 28, 2023
Our Latest Findings: Americans' Views of U.S. Foster Care

By Rachel Cvitanovich | Development Coordinator

The Top Five Barriers to Providing Foster Care
The Top Five Barriers to Providing Foster Care

On November 15, 2023, Kidsave in partnership with Gallup and the Gallup Center for Black Voices, completed stage three of The EMBRACE (Expanding Meaningful Black Relationships And Creating Equity) Project. The findings from our study are detailed in the report, Americans’ Views of Foster Care: Elevating Black Americans’ Views and Perspectives, which delves into public perceptions about barriers to foster care, mentoring, and adoption in the US. This study surveyed 5,469 Americans with an oversample of 1,563 Black Americans to ensure that Black perspectives are represented with depth and precision. 

Key findings of the report indicate: 

  1. Increased knowledge about the foster care system correlates with more positive attitudes toward it, yet 63% of all adults have limited or no understanding of the foster care system. Research suggests that limited knowledge and unfavorable views can stem from media influences.  
  2. Black Americans exhibit higher awareness and engagement in foster care matters, with 46% claiming knowledge, 26% having considered adoption, and 16% participating in programs, exceeding the national rates. Additionally, Black Americans are nine points more likely than the national total to say they or a close family member or friend has provided or received foster care at some point.  
  3. Black Americans express lower confidence in a few key aspects of the foster care system, particularly believing it could do more to keep biological families together (71%), and are less likely to perceive equitable support irrespective of a child's racial or ethnic background. 
  4. Regarding fostering or adopting, 54% of the population has considered it, but 68% are uncertain about their eligibility. 

Significant barriers to involvement in foster care: 

  1. Lack of training or resources to feel prepared to foster. 
  2. Their age or stage in life.  
  3. The potential behavioral or emotional challenges of the children influence one’s choice to foster care.  
  4. The home and living situation requirements. 
  5. Inadequate access to mental health resources. 

Other barriers to fostering and adoption identified include financial constraints, lack of awareness of eligibility, and racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual identity discrimination. One in four (25%) of Black Americans say racial and ethnic discrimination is a major barrier to becoming a foster parent. One-third (35%) of LGBT adults say discrimination due to gender and sexual identity is also a major barrier. 

A study participant, Erikson A., age 47, in Los Angeles states “What I have seen is that populations of color are far more scrutinized by child protective services ... There is a higher rate of intervention and removal from their homes,” emphasizing the racial discrimination and over-representation of Black Americans in the child welfare system. 

Mentoring, training, and education serve as key drivers to encouraging fostering and adoption. Adults who connect with children through a mentoring program, such as Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program, have seven times greater odds of adoption, even if they never provided foster care. One in ten Americans say they have participated in a program to work with children in foster care. However, 51% of those who have not participated weren't even aware a mentoring program existed.  

Another study participant, Monique R., age 45 from Los Angeles, says “I think [mentoring programs] are awesome. If that was more advertised... I think that would ease some possible foster parents’ minds. Like, just putting your feet in the water if you’re not sure, to spend some time around a child that’s been through some stuff.” 

Kidsave's EMBRACE Project reveals crucial insights into the barriers to fostering, mentoring adoption, and public perception, with specific challenges to Black Americans. The findings aim to guide efforts in overcoming obstacles, increasing awareness, and creating an environment conducive to nurturing and adopting all children in need. Stage 4, amplification, is now underway.  

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Organization Information

Kidsave International

Location: Culver City, CA - USA
Website:
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Twitter: @Kidsave_Intl
Project Leader:
Shantay Armstrong
Culver City , CA United States

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