Thank You for Making Foster Care Awareness Month a Success
As Foster Care Awareness Month comes to a close, I want to personally thank you for being part of this important moment. Whether you shared a post, made a donation, joined us at the State House, or simply took time to learn more, your engagement has helped shine a much-needed light on the experiences of youth in and aging out of foster care.
If you haven’t had the chance yet, I hope you’ll take a few moments to watch Jamirah’s story. Her path from a group home to becoming a registered nurse is a powerful example of what’s possible when young people have consistent, caring support.
Your Voice Matters: Legislation We’re Watching
This month, Foster Forward staff and youth showed up at the Rhode Island State House to advocate for policies that directly affect youth aging out of care. These three initiatives could make a major difference—and your voice can help push them forward.
H5077 – SSI Access for Youth in Care
Foster Forward has collaborated on this bill, which would allow the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits on behalf of youth in care who have qualifying disabilities.
Receiving SSI prior to aging out provides youth with a stable source of income and access to adult support services that can ease the transition to independence.
H5390 / S0258 – VICTIM Fund Grant Program
This bill would establish a fund to support victims of violence and exploitation, including many youth with child welfare experience. Grants would be awarded to organizations serving survivors, which includes services we already provide through our VOCA-funded work.
Preventing Cuts to Homelessness Services in the State Budget
The proposed state budget includes a 56% cut to homelessness prevention funding, which could lead to the loss of up to 1,000 shelter beds across Rhode Island and a tripling of homelessness. This would deeply impact youth aging out of care, who are already at higher risk of housing insecurity.
This week, Foster Forward staff and young people joined the Save Our Homes Rally at the State House to advocate for full funding of these critical services.
Take Action
If you're looking for a way to stay involved beyond May, consider contacting your elected officials to express your support for these measures. Use this tool to easily find and contact your Rhode Island representatives.
Together, we can turn awareness into action—for the youth who need it most.
