Many recall doing activities in their youth like sleep overs, sports and holiday events. These “normal” experiences are often taken for granted, but help develop interests, skills and positive relationships, which shape who we are as adults.

Most make the transition to adulthood in the safe space of the family, where parents gradually introduce new situations and challenges to learn how to manage increasing independence and responsibilities. Children and youth in out-of-home care often arrive having been denied the chance to participate in everyday activities essential to the process of maturing into adults. Consequently, youth who “age out” of the child welfare system experience worse life outcomes than other youth, including homelessness, unemployment and poverty. These children have already experienced the trauma of abuse, abandonment or neglect and now need the things all children deserve.

Help the Children’s Foundation of America in aiding foster youth achieve normalcy this holiday season and create a better future. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 1210, Claremont, CA 91711 or donate online at www.ChildrensFoundationOfAmerica.org. For more information, call 800 KIDS730 (800-543-7730.)