Every child should have the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and surrounded by people who care about them. But too many children and families face challenges that can make this difficult, including unstable housing, financial stress, and limited access to mental health, education, and other support. For families already under stress, getting help can be difficult, and problems can quickly become crises. Without the right support at the right time, families may become involved with the foster care system.
Cities can play an important role in addressing these challenges by helping families get the support they need earlier, through both prevention and support. While child welfare is most often not directly under city jurisdiction, it greatly affects resident well-being both for families directly involved as well as the entire community. Cities can employ multiple approaches to ensuring families stay together safely and that they have the supports when foster care is necessary.
