EMPOWERING FOSTER CHILDREN'S FUTURES
Nurturing Education and Support for Every Child
Fostering Hearts Florida is deeply committed to transforming the journey of foster children by providing a personalized environment where education is coupled with essential social, emotional, and practical life skills, laying a strong foundation that helps navigate life's journey toward a brighter future with positivity and strength.
NAVIGATING THE FOSTER CHILD JOURNEY
Extended Waits. Frequent Moves. Educational Disruption.
In the foster care system, the journey of a child is often marked by uncertainty, transitions, and waiting—a profound challenge that touches the core of what it means to provide stable, loving care for children in need. For foster children on the adoption journey, the path that leads there is filled with complexities that require our immediate attention and action.
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Extended Waits: The average child in foster care waits over three years for adoption, during which time their need for stability and love remains urgent.
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Frequent Moves: Approximately 55% of these children experience three or more placements, each move potentially disrupting their sense of security and belonging.
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Educational Disruption: One study found that 33% of children in foster care changed elementary schools 5+ times, causing significant educational setbacks and loss of critical relationships.
FOSTERING HEARTS FL - OUR STORY
Katy Rey Foundation DBA Fostering Hearts Florida
Fostering Hearts FL, established in 2022, is deeply committed to making a profound difference in the lives of foster children in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties, Florida. Our foundation started from a simple belief: every child deserves a shot at a bright future no matter their start in life.
We know the road isn't easy for these kids. They're navigating life's twists and turns, often feeling alone and outpaced by their classmates. Understanding the complex challenges these children face—unexpected home changes, academic hurdles, and emotional setbacks—we're here to ensure they're never left to navigate these waters alone. Fostering Hearts FL stands as a steadfast ally, offering guidance, support, and a sense of belonging.
Education is our toolkit. We've teamed up with Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and a group of caring teachers to create learning experiences that are just right for each child, no matter where they find themselves. This setup isn't just about hitting the books; it's about giving these kids the chance to join in on extracurriculars, to discover their talents, and to just be kids.
But our dreams for them go beyond the classroom. We're here to whisper to every foster child that they are seen, they are heard, and yes, they are loved. Through our mentorship programs and lessons in life skills, we're grooming these young ones for a world of possibilities.
In partnership with Friends of Joshua House and other kind-hearted organizations, we've rolled out a pilot program designed with a special touch for children healing from past wounds. It's a safe space where learning is joyous, not daunting—a place where they can start to rebuild their confidence and catch up academically.
The Fostering Hearts FL team is the heartbeat of this mission. Fueled by a blend of passion and determination, we're here to change the narrative for foster kids, making sure they have the support they need to cross the graduation stage and leap into life with both feet.
Fostering Hearts FL isn't just an organization; it's a community, a family, extending its arms wide open to those in need. We're dreaming big—of a future where every foster child in our corner of Florida has the tools, care, and love they need to flourish.
Want to be a part of this beautiful journey? Reach out to us at info@fosteringheartsfl.org. Together, we're not just making a difference; we're nurturing futures, one child at a time.
THE FOSTER CARE CRISIS
A Critical Call for Compassion and Action
Every child deserves a family, a home, and a chance at a bright future. Yet, for hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. foster care system, these basic needs remain out of reach. Here's a closer look at the stark realities these children face:
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A Staggering Number: There are 400,540 children living without permanent families in the U.S. foster care system. Of these, 115,000 are eligible for adoption, but sadly, nearly 40% will wait over three years before finding a forever home.
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Local Impact: In Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas County, Florida alone, 6,000 kids navigate the uncertainties of the foster system.
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The Waiting Game: Once biological rights are terminated, a child typically waits almost 2 years to be adopted, with the average age of these children being 9 years old.
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Early Years in Care: Research across 32 European countries indicates that no child under three should be in institutional care without a parent or primary caregiver due to risks of severe developmental harm.
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Aging Out: Each year, over 27,000 youth age out of foster care without the necessary support to succeed, facing homelessness, unemployment, and higher rates of incarceration.
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Educational Outcomes: Nearly 25% of youth aging out of foster care do not have a high school diploma or GED, and only 6% complete a two- or four-year college degree despite 70% expressing a desire to attend college.
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Institutional vs. Family Care: Children raised in orphanages have significantly lower IQs than those in foster care, emphasizing the need for family-based care.
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Adoption Delays: Children often wait over three years to be adopted, with many experiencing multiple placements, which disrupts their education and ability to form stable relationships.
The facts are heartbreaking, but they underscore the urgent need for compassionate individuals and communities to step up. Whether it's through adoption, fostering, mentoring, or supporting organizations that help these children, everyone has the power to make a difference. Let's not let these children wait any longer for the love, security, and opportunities they so rightfully deserve.
A MISSION TO EMPOWER
Unlocking Potential, Changing Destinies
At Fostering Hearts FL, we're driven by a sobering reality: less than half of foster children finish high school. This isn't just a statistic; it's a call to action. Our mission is to ensure these children aren't just numbers. They are bright, capable individuals deserving of every opportunity to succeed.
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