Arizona has over 10,000 Foster kids!   

Children enter the foster care system as a result of abuse and/or neglect. They are taken from their homes through no fault of their own, with just the clothes on their backs, and – maybe - a hastily grabbed favorite blanket or toy, only to be placed in unfamiliar surroundings.  

As a consequence, foster children carry the unique burden of feeling unwanted and oftentimes responsible for their situation.  These children grow up with the stigma of being rejected by their families, the very people that should be responsible for them.  Once separated from their homes and families they become our “community” children and are the responsibility of all the community members.

Foster Care Facts

• Children enter the foster care program as a result of physical, sexual abuse and/or neglect. Click here for Jessica's Story
• Arizona has approximately 10,000 children in foster care.
• Children have on average have four different placements.
• Frequent moves in and out of the homes of strangers can be profoundly unsettling for children.
• Many have been separated not only from their parents, but from their siblings.
• Thirty percent of the homeless in America and some 25 percent of those in prison were once in foster care.
• Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation is the only statewide non-profit that provides grants that help to enrich lives and build self-esteem of foster children.  

A Harvard Study shows a big, long-term health payoffs in mental and physical well-being when foster-care services to children are enhanced.  The study mentioned the beneficial impacts of summer camps, tutoring and more financial assistance for foster care parents as being very beneficial. Click here for NPR story.

For more info. about the AFFCF  click here