How we grow up impacts the adults we become.
When young people experience adversity, trauma and toxic stress, abuse or neglect, and/or discrimination, their development and well-being are negatively affected. These challenges make young people more likely to be vulnerable to being placed out of their home by systems that traditionally look at congregate care as the only option. Right now, more than half a million young people currently live in youth jails and prisons, psychiatric hospitals and group homes, or are disconnected from their parents, siblings, schools and communities by being placed in foster care. Research shows that being placed outside of the home in and of itself is traumatic, and unfortunately many youths experience further trauma while in placement.