CDC saw 51% increase in suicide attempts by adolescent girls during pandemic. The attempts by teens to commit suicide during the Covid Lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 has risen dramatically, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Girls between the ages of 12 to 17 were found to have tried to attempt suicide increased by roughly…

Making the decision to being a foster parent is an exciting one. It is a decision that is rewarding in so many ways. It is also one that takes incredible commitment, unconditional love, and patience. After you determined that you are ready to begin, there are long hours of training…

For eight hours a day or more, and for five days a week for much of a calendar year, a foster child will spend his time in school. Indeed, children in foster care will most likely spend more of their time each day with teachers than they will with their…

“Children in the United States are suffering in a number of ways, and it is we as a nation who are failing them.” Salvador Ramos, the 18 year old gunman who shot and killed 19 children and two adults in Texas, posted many disturbing pictures online before the shooting. One former friend of Ramos stated that Ramos “was often bullied due to a speech impediment that included a stutter and a lisp, and…

A pandemic continues to sweep through the United States, a pandemic of depression. According to a new study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on mental health issues of teenagers during Covid, more than a third of teens experienced poor mental health during the pandemic. Along with this, just…

“Children in our nation are suffering from an epidemic of child abuse from those who proclaim to love them the most.” An epidemic is sweeping an ugly tide across the United States; domestic violence and child abuse against our children. How large is the problem? Studies show that up to five million children in the United States experience and/or witness domestic violence each year. Whether it’s watching an act of physical…

They are meant as words of comfort and words of support. However, so many times, the words are hurtful, instead. During my years as a foster parent, I have had the privilege of having over 60 children come to live in my home, and become a part of my family…

The nation’s foster care system faces a crisis in regards to lack of foster homes and foster families. “Right now we have more children than we do foster parents. It’s definitely at a level where I would consider it an actual crisis.” Braley and Thompson Foster Care and Adoption Center program manager Tina Gray- Russell is concerned about the foster care system in West Virginia. In this state…

“More mental health, substance abuse treatment, support, and services are needed so birthparents can have access to the treatment services they need.” The foster care system is struggling in our nation. Agencies recognize the difficulties that foster families are facing, and are working hard in finding solutions to help both the foster families and the children placed in the homes. Yet, the challenges continue to grow. Indeed, many foster parents remain concerned…