Opinion

Long before we had child welfare or juvenile justice agencies as we know them today, the state was already punishing "crossover youth."

In 2021, NPR and its reporting partners exposed two routine, pernicious practices involving child welfare systems and money that should have stayed with children and/or their families. Neither practice was new.

The ACF's “A Home for Every Child” is an opportunity for change. Our challenge is to invest in families, act quickly and scale what works.

Inés moved into a hotel when her dorm closed for winter break. Alicia stayed in an abusive relationship because she couldn’t afford rent on her own. Katrina pitched a tent by the side of the highway after losing her parents and falling through the cracks of the child welfare system. 

It makes a difference having someone to fight for you, the author writes, and foster youth need representation in court.

The authors write that it's time to shutter group homes and give all children the families they need and deserve.

Play gives young people belonging and coaches a way to mentor. The author says that's why it belongs in youth justice.

Making capacity-building funds a part of philanthropic and government grants key to building impactful, resilient community organizations, the authors write.

Every year, thousands of young people leave foster care with no stable housing, no financial cushion, and no adult they can call in a crisis.