Foster Care Month

National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of the more than 380,000 children and youth under 18 in the foster care system. Change a lifetime. Help raise awareness about the urgent needs of these young people and encourage citizens from every walk of life to get involved – as foster or adoptive parents, volunteers, mentors, employers or in other ways.

• National Foster Care Month Campaign
• FosterMore.org
• HelpStartsHere.org / Adoption and Foster Care Resources
• NASW Policy Statement on Foster Care and Adoption
• NASW Policy Statement of Child Abuse and Neglect

Mental Health Awareness Month & Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

Most families in the United States are affected by mental illness in some capacity. According to the Surgeon General, 28 to 30 percent of the population has either a mental disorder or addictive disorder in any given year. About 20 percent of children are estimated to have mental disorders with at least mild functional impairment. Although there can be many barriers to treatment for those seeking help—including access, finances, stigma, fear of discrimination, and denial—individuals who receive appropriate mental and behavioral health treatment can lead satisfying, productive lives.

• SAMHSA’s “Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health” Campaign
• Child Mind Institute Speak Up for Kids Campaign
• HelpStartsHere.org / Mind and Spirit Resources
• NASW Policy Statement on Mental Health

NASW Communications
750 First St., NE Ste 700
Washington, DC 20002
media@naswdc.org

Sr. Communications and PR Specialist
Greg Wright
202-336-8324
gwright@naswdc.org

Sr. Communications Administrator
Kyle Northam
202-336-8212
knortham@naswdc.org

Evenings and weekends:
Gail Woods-Waller
202-365-3704
gwaller@naswdc.org