More Information
As an adult or someone who is no longer in foster care, it is important to be able to identify oneself other than "foster child". Many are calling themselves Alumni of Foster Care. To learn more foster care related terminology, please read Foster Care Related Terminology.
Articles and Publications
The article Developmental Health of Infants and Children Subsequent to Foster Care written by the founder of Pacific Northwest Alumni of Foster care has now been published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. This article not only explains that what happens in childhood matters, but also points out that not addressing childhood adversities, such as those experienced by many children in foster care, can impact adult health.
Many youth in foster care experience feelings of confusion, loss, fear and stress. If these feelings are left untreated, they can lead to poor child development, as well as to poor health, and educational outcomes that ultimately affect the quality of adulthood. To learn more about this, please read Foster care children: A vulnerable population at risk.
Studies show that there is a relationship between childhood experiences and adult health. One study, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study explains that ”traumatic childhood experiences“ such as stress, neglect and abuse can lead to problems with, for example, relationships, emotions, and addictions. To learn more about this study, please visit www.acestudy.org or www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/ace/.
Understanding the experiences and perceptions of youth and alumni of foster care is critical and necessary when developing effective improvement plans for the child welfare system. The Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study is one of the few studies done that includes the perceptions and experiences of those in and from the foster care system. To learn more about it, please visit http://www.casey.org/Resources/Initiatives/FosterCareAlumniStudies/NorthwestAlumniStudy.htm.
In January and February of 2007, the Pacific Northwest Alumni of Foster Care (formally PNWAS) testified for Senate and House Bills represented by Delilah Bruskas. Three bills were passed that help improve the quality of life for youth making the difficult transition to adulthood. Senate Bill 5305 and House Bill 1201 extend Medicaid (medical insurance) from age 18 to age 21. House Bill 1922 promises to offer housing assistance to youth transitioning out of foster care.
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