Vermont Business Magazine May is National Foster Care Month. It is a time to acknowledge the role of foster and kinship care providers statewide. In Vermont, more than 1,000 children and youth are currently provided foster care. Most will successfully reunify with their birth families. When that is not possible, permanency is sought – often through adoption.
This year, the State of Vermont is highlighting the need to take a holistic and culturally responsive approach to supporting the mental health needs of those involved with child welfare. This includes the mental health and wellbeing of children and youth, their caregivers, and of the staff within the many agencies and services involved with the care of children and youth in foster care.
Vermont Department for Children and Families Commissioner Chris Winters acknowledges, “Our goal is to assure that we remain person-centered, trauma informed and provide individualized plans with consideration of a culturally responsive approach. We are deeply appreciative of the caregivers, staff and community partners who continue to serve children and youth through foster care. National Foster Care Month affords us another opportunity to say thank you for that commitment and service.”
“Using a lens of compassion and cultural humility to understand the ways that culture can impact how a person approaches mental health is vital to being able to connect children, youth, and families to the services they need,” said Deputy Commissioner Aryka Radke. “The journey of exploring the mental health needs of children and families must begin early so that we may engage appropriate interventions sooner. By drawing on those strengths, leaning on the support of extended family and friends, and connecting to local community resources, families have demonstrated that they know how to manage difficult situations.”
In addition to the national campaign, Foster Care Month recognizes and celebrates the more than 50% of children who will safely reunite with their biological parents this year; and the volunteers, mentors, policy makers, child welfare professionals and other members of the community that are making a meaningful difference.
“When you become a foster parent/kinship foster parent, you become part of a team that’s dedicated to protecting children, supporting families and helping young people to develop their fullest potential,” said Commissioner Winters. “Vermont is always in need of caring individuals and families willing to open their homes to children in need.”
To learn how you can help a child in need of a family, visit: https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/foster
Source: 5.22.2023. Vermont Department for Children and Families. Waterbury
