The vast majority of children and families in the juvenile court and/or child welfare system (including DCF) live in poverty. Children of color are also overrepresented here and generational poverty and trauma is commonplace.
We are able to provide urgently needed resources to help underserved children and families take positive steps forward, in all types of juvenile court cases: care and protection cases (abuse or neglect), CRA’s (children requiring assistance because of their disability or behavioral issues), Delinquencies, or PYA’s (aging out foster children), or cases where there is only just child protective services (DCF) involvement. (*especially during the pandemic).
There are many reasons why children and families find themselves in the juvenile system. For those struggling to find a way out, a primary obstacle is often poverty. We see all too many cases of individuals who cannot stay in school or hold down a job because they lack the basic resources for a stable life. They may have experienced homelessness, food insecurity, inadequate education or training, physical disabilities, neglect, trauma, or mental health or cognitive challenges.
Others may be victims of racial injustices, domestic violence, substance abuse or a hostile divorce. Trouble at home or bullying in the classroom often prompts school truancy, one of the main entry points to the juvenile court system. These are issues that cut across social and economic status, but it becomes all the more difficult to overcome these obstacles when money is scarce.
We may not be miracle workers, but we are agents of positive change. A small, targeted assistance can have a powerful impact. It can help an individual in crisis take a crucial step toward personal transformation. When basic needs are met and you have the tools to address concerns, you can begin to believe in yourself and what you can achieve. And that’s when real change begins.