An Overview of Foster Care in the US

In this episode of Rights and Remedies, Allison Mahoney gives us a closer look at the U.S. foster care system. With nearly 400,000 children currently in foster care, Allison walks through the system’s structure, from federal to local levels, and explains how children enter foster care and what happens while they’re in the system.

Trigger Warning

This episode discuss sensitive topics related to child abuse and neglect. Please take care while listening if these topics are difficult for you.

Here’s What We Discuss:

• How the Foster Care System is Structured – A breakdown of the federal, state, and local roles.
• How Children Enter Foster Care – The various reasons kids are placed into foster care.
• The Goal of Permanency – Why reunification is the first priority, and what happens when that’s not possible.
• Types of Foster Care Placements – From kinship care to residential facilities, and everything in between.
• The Services Children and Families Need – From mental health support to educational services, and why they’re crucial.

Why This Episode Matters:

The foster care system is a complicated, often misunderstood part of our society. In this episode, Allison brings some clarity to how it works, the challenges kids face, and why it’s so important that we improve the system to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families. If you want to understand what’s happening with children in foster care, and how the system is—and isn’t—working for them, this episode is a must-listen.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. By spreading awareness, we can all do our part to make the foster care system a little better, one conversation at a time.

Get Legal Help:

If you or someone you know was harmed while in foster care, we are here to help. We are offering free 15-minute consultations.

Call: 970-315-5152

Visit: almlawllc.com

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions shared in this episode belong to the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. These conversations aim to inform and inspire, but they are not a substitute for professional legal or child welfare advice. If you need specific guidance, please consult a professional in your area.