Background Research

First, some statistics that help fill in the background of the issue I tackled with this project

• In Arizona there are 19,000 children in foster care, but only around 4,500 licensed foster families

  • There is not enough funding or support in the state foster system

• Most care is needed for teenagers and large sibling groups in Arizona

  • My center would prioritize placement for those that fall in these categories

• Studies from various countries have found that the likelihood of domestic violence is higher in homes with husbands who were abused as children, or who witnessed their mother being abused

  • If a child grew up with domestic violence in the home, they are more likely to become victims in the future or become perpetrators themselves

• Many children end up aging out of the foster system without much in terms of support

  • In the event a child does not find a forever home, H.O.M.E. will prepare and support them through their next steps

I conducted an interview over email with Christal Zeigler, a Family and Adoption Specialist. Her answers, both incredibly helpful and enlightening, can be seen below.