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Homelessness in Alabama

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Children's Aid Society of Alabama Infographic about the Vulnerability of Alabama's Children. Nearly 6,000 children are currently in foster care, highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms and enhanced support systems to safeguard their well-being. Youth on average spend 18.6 months in care. For children whose primary goal is adoption, (nearly 200 youth at this time) this period is significantly longer, averaging 28.7 months or more while waiting to be adopted. Alabama faces significant challenges, including a high number of children in foster care and systemic issues affecting their reunification. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires a commitment to trauma-informed approaches and strategic interventions from stakeholders at all levels. Children’s Aid Society of Alabama’s Family Partners program provides direct interventions to help families rebuild their lives and reunify. Further, our Project Independence program serves young pregnant and parenting mothers overcoming homelessness and gaining the life skills, educational and vocational resources needed to create self-sustained futures; curbing the likelihood of family separation and building bright futures for moms and their babies. 11,264 Students experiencing homelessness in Alabama (Pre-K through 12th grade, 2022-2023 McKinney-Vento Data). This represents 1.5% of the total enrollment; the true scale of student homelessness in the state is likely higher than this reported figure. Also note, Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, children not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian is a reported 685. This number represents the minimum verifiable count of homeless teenagers in Alabama; a group that requires specific outreach due to their heightened vulnerability to exploitation and adverse outcomes. 134 Human Trafficking victims were identified in 2023, 32% were minors. Youth who are homeless become highly susceptible to labor and sexual exploitation. These youth are often characterized by histories of family conflict, instability, and rejection, making them prime targets for traffickers. There are an estimated 5,700+ annual child victims of trafficking. Groups like our Child Trafficking Solutions Project are constantly working to increase awareness and provide communities with meaningful tools to protect youth of all ages. Older youth “aging out” of care without reunifying with birth family or finding permanency through adoption face the highest risk of adverse outcomes. That’s why our Independent Living program works tirelessly across all Alabama counties to inform youth of the educational, vocational and housing opportunities available to them. They present life skills training during DREAM Council Meetings and group home visits, plus they offer two free summer camps annually. They help keep youth encouraged and also host an annual graduation celebration to inspire youth to continue to beat the odds. Alabama DHR reported in the year 2023, 69.24% of foster children returned to their birth family or kinship placements. Children for whom reunification is not possible can find the love and stability of a forever family through adoption, that’s where Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) comes in. APAC offers FREE support and services for those beginning their adoption journey and lifelong support for every family who adopts through Alabama’s foster care.

How Vulnerable Are Alabama’s Children? Let’s Crunch the Numbers

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Infographic- Shut Down, Avoidant and in La-La Land: Helping Kids Who are Hard to Reach with Robyn Gobbel

How Do You Help Kids Who Are Shut Down, Avoidant & in La-La Land? We’ll Find Out with Robyn Gobbel!

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Self-Care Planning

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10 Social Media & Gaming Tips Every Parent Should Know

10 Social Media & Gaming Tips Every Parent Should Know

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Suicide Awareness Month: What Alabama Families and Providers Need to Know

Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month – What Alabama Families & Providers Need to Know

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Children's Aid Society of Alabama's logo is in the upper right corner. An image of several people from diverse ethnicities are pictured standing with fists raised in front of books. One person is holding a sign that reads "You are not alone." Text over the photo reads, Mental Health Access for Every Community. Text at the bottom reads, "A Culturally Responsive Resource Guide"

Culturally Responsive Resource Guide for Mental Health Supports in Alabama and Nationwide

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The Importance of Play! – Learn Why Play Matters in Healing Trauma & Forging Healthy Bonds

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Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Newsletter Archive_2024

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Vertical text: APAC, Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections, 2023 | Issues 72 - 75, Newsletter Archive. Children's Aid Society of Alabama's logo is in the bottom right corner. An adoptive family comprised of a dark haired Black Woman in an orange shirt and blue jeans seated to the left, a Black man in a white shirt and blue jeans seated to the right, a fair haired White child is seated behind them with her arms draped around their shoulders.

APAC Newsletter Archive_2023

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Mental Wellness Infographic The Five C's of Mental Health

The 5 C’s of Mental Wellness_Children’s Aid Society of Alabama Infographic

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2025 Adoption/TIPS Classes All individuals and coupes interested in adopting in Alabama must take this FREE class

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) Recruitment Flyer 2025

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Why is Camp APAC so Important?

What’s the Big Deal About Camp APAC? An FAQ About Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection’s Awesome FREE Summer Camp for Adoptees

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