Volume 30

My Voice, My Life, My Future

Reception and Exhibition of Artwork Created by Our Nation's Foster Youth
Featuring Readings, Presentations and Performance by Foster Youth from Across the Nation

In the United States today, there are half a million children in foster care. As a nation, we must work together to ensure their safety, permanence and well-being and to reform the foster care system - particularly the federal financing and court oversight of this system - in which too many of these children languish for too long. The Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care highlighted the need for reform in these areas in its May 2004 report, which has prompted significant reform of state juvenile and family courts.

To commemorate May as National Foster Care Month, a collaboration of national and local organizations will sponsor an evening reception open to the press and the public honoring the achievements of foster youth from across the nation. Original artwork, writing and poetry created by foster children from around the country will be on display, and foster youth will be additionally perform and present their work. The event is designed to illustrate the importance of listening to, and incorporating, the voices of these youth in the processes and decisions that so profoundly impact their lives.

Collaborative Partners

Home At Last's mission is to support outreach and educational efforts, both nationally and in selected states, that highlight the importance of the recommendations of the Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care, particularly those to improve court oversight of foster care in order to improve outcomes for children in foster care. Home At Last conducts research, issues policy briefs, and partners with organizations in order to enhance awareness and provide education to policy-makers, judicial leaders and other stakeholders about the need to address the challenges facing children in foster care. www.fostercarehomeatlast.org

First Star is a national 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to improving the lives of America's abused and neglected children. First Star's mission is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform of the child welfare system through communication, education and legislation. First Star's nonpartisan, multidisciplinary approach fosters collaborative action among organizations, advocates, practitioners and policy-makers working to benefit all children. www.firststar.org

The National Foster Care Coalition is dedicated to raising public awareness, coordinating advocacy efforts and building diverse alliances that strengthen foster care and community supports to ensure children, youth and families reach their full potential. The National Foster Care Awareness Project (NFCAP) has been instrumental in developing and disseminating information about the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 and the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. www.natl-fostercare.org

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes through adoption; and to eliminating the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family. www.ccainstitute.org