KENTUCKY FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATION INC
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : k*******8@g***l.c*m
Mission Statement
The mission of the Fostering Futures-Kentucky Foster & Adoptive Care Association (KFACA) is to serve as a united voice to effectively advocate, support, educate, and empower children who are at risk of being placed in out-of-home care and the families that serve them with the highest integrity.
About This Cause
Fostering Futures-KFACA has served as the leading support and advocacy organization for Kentucky’s foster and adoptive parents for 32 years. In addition to serving foster and adoptive parents, KFACA has widened their scope of services to include all caregivers including kinship and fictive kin as the need for out-of-home care expands and to work in compliance with the Family First Act. Fostering Futures-KFACA works in partnership with the National Foster Parent Association and has representation on their Council of State Affiliates. KFACA also has member representation on several NFPA committees which allows them access to federal trends and legislation. This involvement at the national level gives an insight to other states successes and struggles with out-of-home care. Fostering Futures-KFACA has no paid staff to address all the needs faced by families serving Kentucky's children. However, KFACA has worked closely with Kentucky’s Legislature in drafting legislation that has eventually become law including a Foster Parent Bill of Rights and per diem increases for state foster homes. KFACA works diligently with families to break down policy and legal barriers, questions, and concerns associated with out-of-home care including foster, adoptive, kinship, and fictive kin. All of this is currently being done through limited resources and funding from small grants. Funds received would enable KFACA the ability to lobby legislators for the improvement and support to serve the best interest of Kentucky's children and families. Kentucky ranks the fifth poorest state in the nation. It is experiencing record numbers of children in the foster care system ranking Number 1 in rates of child abuse and neglect. The majority of Kentucky’s demographics are represented by a rural population, however the larger cities of Louisville and Lexington face similar problems such as drug abuse, homelessness, and increasing numbers of children being removed from traditional homes settings and moved into out-of-home care. The effects of trauma is overwhelming on the long-term health of children and adults. Children who are placed in safe, loving environments can have improved chances to overcome these effects. However, a non-biased voice must represent those affected. In a state-wide survey conducted by Fostering Futures-KFACA in 2019, caregivers responded to that 47% of the time they are seldom or almost never included in case planning, family team meetings, or included in court hearings. The very individuals who are taking care of children placed in out-of-home care are not being heard. They are the closest link to information relating behaviors of the youth, educational concerns, medical and emotional health concerns, or as a voice for the child. In response to another question, 65.71% of the caregivers surveyed indicate that they have NEVER been asked to provide input for court proceedings. Many of our caregivers have had children in their home for several years. Who would know the needs of the child better than those who have opened their homes and hearts...yet they are not being included in the decision-making process for the children in their homes. KFACA serves as a bridge to legislators and child placing agencies sharing the information and concerns of the caregivers in the state. When children are placed in quality foster homes, the parents who meets the needs of these children have an insight that others do not. Behaviors prior to and after visits, night terrors, educational challenges, etc. are key factors in developing a solid plan which serves the best interest of each and every child. Therefore, it is essential to empower foster parents and other caregivers in the decision-making process. Through this empowerment, youth have a higher chance of successful transitioning from a traumatic and/or neglectful start to a future that serves to help them thrive as adults thus breaking the chain of abuse and neglect. As the need for quality resource homes rise due to many factors including drug and other substance abuse, it is essential to the long-term well-being of youth affected by out-of-home care to have advocates who represent their best interest. Many areas across Kentucky do not have CASA volunteers, Family Courts, and easy access to mental health care providers. Fostering Futures-KFACA works diligently to ensure the best interest of at-risk youth is pursued to the fullest extent. There are no throw-away youth. KFACA must continue Fostering Futures by Fostering Partnerships. Please help support our work...your donation could serve as a catalyst for change in the lives of many children and youth across Kentucky.