We are working to drastically change the systemic challenges that youth—specifically older or “transition-age” youth (TAY) of color—who are or have been involved with the foster care system experience.

Atlanta Ambassadors

#CARES4Power

Follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work, the CARES Ambassadors, and the policies we are building to advance change for all transition age youth.

🧠 Mental health is deeply connected to every element of our lives. When young people access responsive and affirming mental health support, they gain resilience, a positive sense of identity, and the tools to succeed.  In Georgia, access to mental health services and supports has been a longstanding challenge. The state is ranked 48th in the nation for access to mental health care. 

The CARES Initiative calls for access to high-quality, accessible, affordable, and affirming mental health services and supports that meet young people's needs. It's time to ensure that every young person can thrive, regardless of the barriers they face. 

Join us for a discussion of youth-centered mental health and well-being policies. Register now by clicking the link in the bio.

#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
Join us on October 29 & 30! Tune into the "Policy in Action: Building a Community that CARES for Young Adults" discussion series, where we’ll explore innovative mental health and housing policies designed for and with young adults. Connect with national and local leaders and CARES Ambassadors to help build a brighter future. Register today! Link in bio. #Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
Join us for a transformative discussion on youth-centered mental health and well-being policies. Discover innovative strategies co-created with young people, for young people. Engage with youth, national, and local leaders as we reimagine a future that truly supports, affirms, and uplifts young adults. Link in bio! #CARES4Power  #MentalHealth #HousingSupport
Learn why empowering brown and Black youth through community building and mentorship is crucial. Los Angeles CARES Ambassador Santos shares how these spaces help young people thrive, heal, and grow, shaping a stronger, more resilient future.
. 
. 
. 
. 
#CARES #CARES4Power #NationalPolicyAgenda #JuvenileJustice #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #FosterYouth #Policy #Youth #TAY #Community #Mentorship
Damage Imagery in the U.S. child welfare system often highlights the visible wounds, but it’s the invisible scars of systemic neglect that demand our urgent attention and reform. 
. 
. 
. 
. 
#classisinsession #KeyEquityTerms #CARES #CARESAmbassadors #Equity #DamageImagery #ChildWelfare
Though we strive not to practice "color-blind" ideology, evidence shows that child welfare decision-makers often judge parents of color more harshly--one result being more children being removed from their families. Calls for systemic change to amend these barriers are growing at a rapid pace. In 2021, the "blind removals" program in Nassau County (New York) was created to address racial bias in decisions regarding the removal of a child from their caretakers. California – which has the most disproportionate share of Black children in foster care of any state in the nation, according to the National Center on Juvenile Justice – is considering a bill that would create blind removal pilot projects in several counties. @childcarenassau
.
.
.
.
#Classisinsession #KeyEquityTerms #CARES #CARESAmbassadors #CARES4Power #Equity #Colorblind #ColorBlindRacialIdeology #ChildWelfare
See how Atlanta CARES Ambassador Aisha feels about being an ambassador for the past three years and her work on the National Policy Agenda featured in our Linktree! 

. 

. 

. 

. 

#CARES #CARES4Power #NationalPolicyAgenda #CARESNationalPolicyAgenda #FosterYouth #Policy #Youth #YoungPeople #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth

Recent Blogs

2024 Capitol Hill Policy Briefing: Queer and Vulnerable

Danie Guzman joined the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 2024 Capitol Hill Policy Briefing—Queer and Vulnerable, alongside Shadi Houshyar, CSSP, and Currey Cook, Lambda Legal. They discussed opportunities to support and affirm LGBTQ+ young people…

more.

Opportunities to Create Affirming and Supportive Communities for LGBTQ+ Young People

All young people belong to families and communities and deserve our collective love and support. Young people want to be seen for their “whole selves”—that is, in the full beauty and complexity of who…

more.

Empowering Foster Youth: The Case for Supporting the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act

In the ever-evolving landscape of foster care, the needs of transitioning youth demand attention and action. As organizations deeply invested in the success and well-being of these young individuals, we unite in support of…

more.

Pathways to Independence — Supporting Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

This month, the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) and Creating Real and Actionable Solutions (CARES), a CSSP initiative funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation, submitted written testimony that addresses strategies to…

more.