SpeakUp SC

Speak Up, the policy arm of Fostering Great Ideas, is made of regular citizens highlighting common sense solutions that can improve the foster care system.

[Children's Rights @ChildrensRights]

Five months into the #COVID19 crisis, older youth in #FosterCare continue to face worsening struggles and many fear aging out on their own during a public health crisis.

Join us in telling policymakers #NoAgingOut. https://t.co/QBbrZGXzQc

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

We love 🥳celebrating🥳 the people who step up to make a difference. Thank you Herring family for sharing your love and home with so many over the years! What a legacy!

https://t.co/K340rEmk7f

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

A Lot of Holes Left Empty: Being a Teen in #FosterCare: Jolli entered foster care as a teen and her whole life changed. Read her story on the Care2Foster blog: https://t.co/ZYXIxP5jBa

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

I wanted to foster, but I was scared. Here’s what I did. https://t.co/C90S3z4e5x #fostercare

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

No One Deserves to Be Forgotten: A Teen’s Journey from Foster Care to Independence https://t.co/kO74xtWE0s

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

Most of the children who become eligible for South Carolina foster care adoptions are older children, part of a sibling group that must be adopted together, or have additional needs.

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

There’s a dire need for foster families in South Carolina. On any given day, there are more than 4,600 children in #fostercare in our state, but there are only around 2,800 South Carolina foster families. That means around 1,800 children in our state have no place to call home.

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

SC is short more than 1,000 foster homes, so DSS has started paying families more money from @postandcourier
https://t.co/te5tqjW9J1

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

South Carolina children deserve forever families. There are hundreds of children in SC in the foster care system that are legally free for adoption that need permanent, loving homes. Check out the SC Heat Gallery: https://t.co/SX4fDCjrOn

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

Adopting is a big step. BIG! It may not be for everyone and that is ok! Perhaps you still have a longing to help?? Here are a few ideas for ways that you can still support children in #fostercare without committing to the lifelong journey of adoption. https://t.co/k124cc61lU

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

The Change You Make Happen: A group of former foster kids met with HUD Secretary Ben Carson. Within months, a new federal program is teaching them life skills and putting rent within reach. 👏

via @CBSThisMorning

https://t.co/zZEmljVROd

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

So you've decided that fostering a child is not for you or your family at this time. Yet, you still want to help but wonder how to go about it. Don't worry. There's plenty you can do. 9 Tips for Helping Kids in Foster Care: https://t.co/VR89Gk8kgV

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

From 2018 but still relevant: " Across the state, 1,700 children need a place to call home and a family to love. The Upstate has the greatest need. In the Upstate alone, 600 homes are needed."
https://t.co/aD9nIvE0XT

[Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption @DTFA]

.@CCAInstitute is accepting applications for its 2020 Foster Youth Internship Program for college students and recent graduates who have spent time in the #fostercare system. Learn more and apply by Jan 22: https://t.co/jrNPlvI3cC #Adoption #FosterCareAdoption

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

A former foster youth shares 7 ways you can help kids in foster care
https://t.co/offQnvGpK9

[The Field Center @fieldcenter]

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Youth who run away from #fostercare are particularly vulnerable to sex trafficking. https://t.co/AO3GsKWVMZ

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

What is the foster care-to-prison pipeline? https://t.co/FbgmowLMNl #fostercare

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

A Powerful Voice for Change: What is a Guardian Ad Litem? Read all about it on the Care2Foster blog: https://t.co/gIpdGvb5If

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

Children in #FosterCare in SC: 4791. SC Foster Families: 2825. SC Foster Families Needed:1966.

[SpeakUp SC @speakupscFGI]

It's the first day of the Legislative Session here in SC! Welcome back, legislators! We look forward to continuing to work with you on #fostercare reform. @KatrinaShealy @WesClimer @ThomasMcElveen @petermccoyforsc @MPowersNorrell @RepRutherford @syllestedavis @collins_neal