OUR WHY
For many children and teens in foster care, the most formative chapters of their story are also the most uncertain.
And together, we can change how the story unfolds.
THE
CHILDREN
Up to 80% of children in foster care have significant mental health needs. Nearly 50% meet criteria for at least one mental health disorder, such as anxiety and depression.
Children of parents who were in foster care are up to 3 times more likely to experience foster care themselves. Creating a generational cycle of placement.
Children in foster care experience PTSD at rates comparable to combat veterans. Mental and behavioral health is considered their greatest unmet health need.
In many cases, foster care reimbursements frequently fail to meet the actual cost of raising a child.
THE
YOUTH
Each year, 20,000+ youth age out of foster care without permanent family support.
Only about 55% of foster youth graduate high school.
Among youth experiencing homelessness,
40% have been in the foster care system.
Girls who experienced foster care are more than twice as likely to become pregnant –
7 in 10 will experience pregnancy by age 21.
THE
FAMILIES
Between 30–50% of foster families stop fostering within their first year,
and studies show up to two-thirds leave after their first placement — most often because they feel unsupported.
WILD [&] WHIMSY FOUNDATION
TO THE LIVES OF CHILDREN, TEENS
AND FAMILIES IMPACTED BY FOSTER CARE
RESTORING HOPE, DIGNITY, AND MAGIC
