News

CONTACT:  Maricela Cueva
VPE Public Relations
(626) 403-3200 ext. 215
maricela@vpepr.com

MAY IS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH
129,000 kids in foster care are awaiting adoption,
20 percent are Latino

VPE is working in raising awareness about the need to adopt children in the foster care system. The majority of children awaiting adoption are children of color , of which 20% are Latino. According to the Administration for Children and Families' Children's Bureau, approximately 300,000 children in the United States enter the foster care system each year. About 26,000 children "age out" of foster care at the age of 18, yet they are unprepared to face the challenges of adulthood without the foundation and support only a family can give.

VPE successfully placed a story in Hispanic magazine that thoroughly covers the issue and conveys the urgency to address this growing community concern.

The following is an article excerpt: Foster Care Crisis: Why More Latino Kids Need Families by Millie Acebal Rousseau

"Conception Cuevas is your average 24-year-old. she holds a full-time job while working towards her B.A. in criminal Justice at San Diego State University. But unlike other young adults, Conception did not have a regular upbringing. The college student grew up in San Diego's foster care system, eventually aging out when she turned 18. She came into care at age 7, along with her two younger sisters, after her father was murdered and her mother could no longer care for her daughters. Conception lived in more than 12 different homes-both foster and group homes-and attended over 25 schools."

For the entire article, click here.
                                                                                                       

Launched by the Advertising Council, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families and the Collaboration to AdoptUsKids, the awareness campaign seeks to encourage Latinos to come forward to adopt a child from foster care. Individuals wanting information on how to become an adoptive parent are encouraged to call 1-877-ADOPTE1 (1-877-236-7831); or to visit www.adopte1.org.