Latest Facebook 'Awareness Campaign'

Yesterday, I noticed a new 'change your avi' campaign on facebook to raise awareness about violence against children. I'm glad people are talking about it, but because the need is so huge....I think it kind of stalls right there. So, on facebook this weekend I'll be sharing some links to organizations that make a difference to kids in foster care and some info on how to recognize abuse and who to tell. Like THIS ONE, OFA provides care packages to college students who are former foster children.

If you want to be blasted with statistics and links, feel free to add me to your friends list or you can pm me here and I'll send them to you Full disclosure: We're foster parents and it has been the hardest and the most rewarding thing we've ever done. I'd love to talk to anyone who is interested in fostering and share our story and how to get started! There is such a need for foster homes, but don't feel that if you can't do that there's nothing else to do. Many ways to help take only a few hours or a few dollars!

My Facebook Page

I added you! We've started talking about possibly fostering when we move into a bigger house. I can't wait to be blasted with statistics & links!

I think fostering is one of the greatest things we can do. I can't imagine growing up without a family.

I feel the same way. I'm choosing NOT to change my profile picture, because I feel like it doesn't make change.

I am so glad to see someone who has been around children who need the care, who have been in bad situations, saying, "There's a way to HELP, instead of just changing your picture."

Thanks. And I'll definitely be checking out your links.

add me so i can share the links!!

www.facebook.com/cha.cha730

Thanks for the positive response, ladies! I hope to post enough ideas so that most people will be encouraged to try one out.

Kellie- I agree! Thinking about kids who age out of the system without a family just breaks my heart. We only foster infants and kids younger than 6, because of the ages of our own children, so I'm excited that I've found ways to make a difference for the older kids in foster care. We're going to donate a care package for OFA's program this month.

My latest FB status:

Here's an idea, especially for my scrappy friends- you can volunteer to make a 'Lifebook' for children in foster care. Most children in care are moved around a lot, even before they come into care...living with various relative and family friends. So, there are no baby books or any records to preserve their history or tell the story of their childhood. A lifebook is a collection of information and pictures that will help a child be tied to their own past. This link gives info and tips. Need to find a child to help? Call your county's Department of Human Services and ask to speak with a foster care worker.

"Children often wait three years or more to be adopted, move three or more times in foster care and often are separated from siblings."
Statistical source is Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System; Department of Health & Human Services (October 2009)

Lifebook Link Here

I think foster parents are unbelievable. It takes such a caring heart.

Thanks for posting all the great ideas! Keep them coming--all throughout the year. I just shared a couple from your page to mine.

I added both of you!
While I doubt the time we could be a sutiable foster family is anytime near my mother has showed an interest in doing it once they're down to just my little sister at home, so I'd love to have the links and such to pass onto her.

Trish, that would be so awesome of your mom to do that! There is a HUGE need for foster care for teenagers. Here's a place to get started Be A Foster Parent.

My child abuse links for today, will be updating this post as the day goes on-

Know what child abuse and neglect are.

Know who to call.
National hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD
Link for a list of state by state reporting numbers.

CASA volunteers are everyday citizens judges appoint to
advocate for the safety and well-being of children who have been
removed from their homes due to parental abuse and neglect. They stand
up for these children and change their lives.