The #UpChafee Challenge
The COVID19 crisis endangers young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood, especially if they don’t have support to turn to. Chafee funding was already stretched thin prior to the crisis. Chafee funds are a vital lifeline. In the stimulus packages recently released by the federal government, many needs that foster youth (current and former) weren’t addressed.
Foster Youth in Transition Need Support NOW.
We're calling on Congress to increase Chafee Funds by $500 million.
BUT... We need the power of your voice to ensure Congress hears the message! Join us and take action!
COVID-19: Impact on Older Youth from Foster Care.
Watch four Young Leaders talk directly to Policymakers in a Virtual Briefing for Congressional staff, presented by FosterClub, Youth Villages, and Juvenile Law Center. View Here>>>>
More than 220 National and State Organizations, and 780 Individuals Ask Congress to #UpChafee and Help Older Youth from Foster Care
Aug 2, 2020: Organizing partners sent the #UpChafee Letter to Congress today, urging policymakers to support older youth from foster care during #COVID19.
Read the full LETTER TO CONGRESS here: https://tinyurl.com/upchafeeletter3
Here are the ASKS included in the letter:
- Increase Chafee Funding by 500 Million.
- Extend the Age of Eligibility for Chafee Aftercare Services to Age 23 for All Youth.
- Suspend Participation Requirements for Young People in Extended Foster Care.
- Place a Moratorium on Discharges from the Foster Care System for Youth Ages 18-21.
- Allow States to Draw Down Title IV-E funds until a Young Person Reaches Age 22.
It's not too late to add your name or organization.
#UpChafee Message Library
Copy-and-paste from these messages or craft your own!#COVID19 crisis has hit young people transitioning from #FosterCare who have started their college educations especially hard. Dorms have closed causing housing instability, some support agencies have closed or reduced services. #ChildWelfareCOVID #UPChafee
Young people in and leaving #FosterCare are incredibly vulnerable and being hit hard by the #COVID19 pandemic, as many do not have family support during these difficult times. #SupportFosterYouth #UPChafee #ChildWelfareCOVID
We need Congress to act now and support youth from #FosterCare. #ChildWelfareCOVID #UPChafee #COVID19
Youth who age out of #FosterCare depend on federal Chafee funds as a vital lifeline. Chafee funding was already stretched thin prior to the crisis, but this lifeline has never been more important to help young people survive the #COVID19 crisis. #ChildWelfareCOVID
Young people in #FosterCare and those who exited #WithoutFamilyToTurnTo are being hit hard by the #COVID19 pandemic, as many do not have financial resources or family support during these difficult times. They need our help. #ChildWelfareCOVID #UPChafee
We have a special responsibility to young people who reach adulthood in foster care. Foster youth need - and deserve - support of Congress now more than ever. #UPChafee by $500m to keep our promise to youth from #FosterCare. #ChildWelfareCOVID
Youth who #AgeOut of #FosterCare work tirelessly to make it to college, gain employment, and to secure housing. Without support NOW, their progress in beating the odds could be derailed by #COVID19. #ChildWelfareCOVID #UPChafee
I am writing to ask that Congress include assistance to older youth in and aging out of foster care in the next COVID-19 relief bill. In the midst of this current pandemic, youth in foster care and alumni are being disconnected from work, school, and external support systems. Lacking family support, they are at risk of losing housing, and even their lives. You have an opportunity to provide a safety net for young people at a time when they need it the most. Urgent action is needed to make sure that young people stay healthy and are not harmed by the crisis. I ask that you consider increasing Chafee funds by $500 million so that the needs of young people can be met during this time of crisis and that you make sure youth in extended foster care remain safe and housed during and after the crisis.
Young people in and aging out of foster care have been hit hard by COVID-19. Without family to turn to, young people should have access to support and services so they can make it through this crisis healthy and ready to thrive. Congress should provide this assistance to young people by increasing Chafee funds by $500m to meet their immediate needs and making sure young people can stay safe and housed in extended foster care. #UPChafee #SupportFosterYouth #ChildWelfareCOVID
Young people in and leaving foster care are suffering and having a hard time meeting their needs. They are struggling to stay housed and afford food and are worried about their futures. We have a special responsibility to these youth and Congress should fulfill this obligation by increasing funding for Chafee by $500m and ensuring that youth are safe and supported in extended foster care. #UPChafee #SupportFosterYouth #ChildWelfareCOVID
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The REALITY of the crisis for young people in and from foster care
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Real voices of young people - SHARE these memes!
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