According to national statistics, in the 2016 fiscal year, a total of 437,500 children were in foster care in the US. Of these, approximately 2,000 youth reside here in Miami-Dade County. These children face tremendous challenges. Here are some statistics of their realities:
- On average, children living in foster care will have over 3 placement changes during their stay in the system.
- While in care, 65 % of foster youth experience 7 or more school changes (K -12).
- 50% of children in foster care have chronic medical problems.
- An estimated 70% of children have siblings who are also brought into foster care. But all too often they are separated from their siblings removing any semblance of family and support.