California leads the way in foster care support during COVID-19 outbreak. Governor Newsom announced a new project investing $42 million to protect foster youth and their families. This is part of Newsom’s plan to help vulnerable populations impacted by the coronavirus.
$42 Million in Foster Care Support
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, in tandem, Governor Newsom announced the $42 million investment as a wat to protect younger Californians. Who during the COVID-19 outbreak are more at risk to facing abuse, neglect or mistreatment.
The Governor is allocating more than $27 million helping families stay together. Nearly $7 million is in support of social workers and $3 million to help Family Resource Centers.
Why is this Funding Important?
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable and nurturing environment free from fear, abuse, and neglect. Our foster youth and the families who care for them need our support to get through this difficult time. We’re ramping up funding on initiatives that keep families together and support the social workers who provide critical services to help families thrive. –Governor Gavin Newsom
How is this Foster Care Support Allocated?
The total funding of $42 million comes from two sources, $40.6 million in state general funding and 1.4 million in federal funds. The plan is to distribute support to help foster youth while reducing child abuse across the state.
The funds as follows:
- Supporting Families Struggling to Stay Together – $27,842,000
- Additional Social Worker Outreach – $6,896,552
- Family Resource Centers – $3,000,000
- Expansion of Helplines – $250,000
- Age Extension for Foster Youth – $1,846,165
- Additional Support for Resource Families Impacted by COVID-19 – $1,728,655
- Extended Timeframe for Caregiver Approvals – $166,000
- Access to Technology – $313,128
In Conclusion
In conclusion, COVID-19 is impacting the foster care support system heavily. Children are without basic support and many are experiencing heightened levels of neglect and abuse. We encourage those living outside of California to write into your state representatives, to your governors, and ask them how they plan on helping children during these dark times.
To help children in care and their families during the COVID-19 outbreak, join us here.
