Arizona leads the nation in the number of children per capita in group or shelter care.

The foster care issues in Arizona are multifaceted and delicate. With the number of children in need of temporary homes on the rise, the number of available homes declining, and the funding and support as a whole falling incredibly short of the mark, you can choose any aspect to focus on and help to make improvements. In a word, it is complicated, but here at Foster Hope, we feel that “complicated” issues should be fixed by adults. We believe that the innocent children affected by these complications, ones far out of their control, should be able to enjoy as normal and happy lives as possible. Our and your contributions can assure success for many of these children.

We have amazing current and future plans to help, and you can be a part of it.

♥ Arizona leads the nation in the number of children per capita in group or shelter care. 600 children a month are removed from their homes, and the number is growing at a rate of 100 per month. (Source: Arizonans for Children http://www.arizonansforchildren.org/page/arizonas-foster-children)

♥ As of September 30, 2015 there were 18,657 Arizona children in out-of-home care – in relative placement, foster homes, group homes, shelters or residential treatment centers. This is a 6% increase from the prior reporting period. (Source: http://www.azcourts.gov/casa/Child-Welfare)

♥ As of December 2015 there are over 19,000 children in foster care in Arizona. While removing children from their dangerous family setting provides needed safety, entering the foster care system does not assure a “normal childhood.” This challenging journey often involves multiple moves, inconsistent care giving, and emotional trauma stemming from feeling helpless and isolated. (Source: Arizonans for Children http://www.arizonansforchildren.org/page/arizonas-foster-children)

♥ Youth in foster care often do not get the help they need with high school completion, employment, accessing health care, continued educational opportunities, housing and transitional living arrangements.

Arizona Department of Child Safety, “Child Welfare Reporting Requirements Semi-Annual Report for the Period of Apr. 1, 2015 through Sept. 30, 2015"

Source: CASA of Arizona Child Welfare

Source: Arizona Department of Child Safety Facts & Figures

Length of Time In and Out of Home Care in Arizona

Reasons Children Are Left in DES Custody