On any given day there are nearly half a million children in foster care in the United States. For these children, the connection to a safe, loving, and nurturing environment is too often lost. This most often has dire long term consequences.

Countless studies reveal that the majority of foster children come of age without the fundamental skills needed to grow into successful, contributing members of society. The primary challenge these children face is under-developed personal and social skills the ability to build long term trusting relationships.

According to a recent study at the University of Washington’s School of Social Work, the key ingredients for a successful foster family aren’t complicated. Adolescents need a stable home life that provides a sense of belonging, love and encouragement with someone who shows a genuine interest in their lives. The biggest problem is the lack of connection and the ability to build trust.” Research in this study shows a lack of shared history is partly to blame for the lack of trust.

In the Casey study in Oregon and Washington state, foster children are 7 to 8 times more likely to have suffered abuse than children in the general population.

Foster children were found to have double the incidence of depression,

  • 25% suffer PTSD
  • 35% suffer Eating Disorders
  • 50% suffer Chronic Medical Problems
  • 50% of foster girls are pregnant by age 19
  • 50% of males are incarcerated by the age of 20
  • 80% of Death Row Inmates spent time in foster care.

All the statistics show that society is failing these kids.

Grace Village has developed programs to assist in developing personal and social skills to better build trust. We also provide opportunities for families to create special memories and teach the importance of spending the time together building unique shared history.

XCM Manual 1117188 Charity Assets Category Banners Human Services 300x250 Amazon Smile 1117188 us smile charity associate 300x250 jpg

Day Camp Application

OvernightCampApp