Community Resources

The Beat Within – A magazine dedicated to sharing writing and art from youth in juvenile detention, Beat Within has been around for 22 years. Although their work is specific to youth in detention, not necessarily foster youth, they do work within the community to help youth get out of and stay out of detention. You can subscribe to the magazine on their website.

Foster Care Alumni of America –  This organization was started by foster care alums in an effort to share foster youth stories, support foster youth in their transitions out of care, and build community among foster care alums. Some of their popular programming includes policy and advocacy work, the Foster Stories radio program, Flux, a book that helps alums navigate aging out of foster care and transitioning to adulthood, and the FCAA scholarship program which provides funds to foster care alum over the age of 25. 

Foster Club–  Foster Club provides a support network and community for youth who are currently in foster care. They host programming for foster youth including conferences, workshops, trainings, and foster club meetups where young adults ages 14-21 can meet and connect with other foster youth. Check out their youth-friendly publications aimed at helping youth of all ages learn about foster care and develop skills for transitioning out of care. You can also ask questions and chat with other foster youth on their discussion board.

Foster Focus – This is monthly magazine dedicated to foster care issues was founded by Chris Chmielewski, a former foster youth. Articles are written by and for people from a diverse array of experiences with the system, including foster parents and youth, foster care alums, judges, lawyers, and advocates. You can find the latest issue and archives on their website, as well as information on how to submit your own articles.

Foster Youth in Action – A program led by and for foster youth, Foster Youth in Action has chapters across the US. Their work involves creating capacity by building new youth-led organization chapters, equipping and training foster youth for leadership roles, and connecting foster youth with one another to build community. Take a look at their Resources to find a free youth-led webinar, newsletters, reports, and other cool reading materials.

LA Youth Magazine – Although they stopped publishing in 2013, this teen-written magazine featured many stories from foster youth. You can check still check out the archives here.

National Foster Care Month – Each May, folks celebrate National Foster Care Month with tons of events nationwide meant to increase visibility for foster care issues and encourage folks to adopt foster youth. 

Represent Magazine – This quarterly magazine is written by and for youth in care and includes pieces on the foster care system, aging out of these programs, and a number of other topics relevant to young adulthood. If you’re a writer check out their Write for Us article for details on how to submit or apply for their Writing Contest for a chance to earn a $100 prize.

To Foster Change – A  program from PBS, To Foster Change shares empowering stories from current and former foster youth. They also partner with several organizations across Southern California to provide education, career resources, and mentoring to foster youth and alums.

Together We Rise – Together We Rise is a nonprofit organization that connects and supports foster youth through programs like reconnecting siblings and bringing foster youth together through a trip to Disney. They also support events where volunteers make care packages, build bikes and skateboards, and create birthday boxes for kids in care. They also offer free photography services for foster families and are introducing a program to help college students from foster care move into their dorms.