KARA (Kids At Risk Action)

free and discounted resources for foster and adopted children and families

Did you know that many children in the foster care system never find a permanent home? ?? Over 400,000 children are currently in foster care in the U.S. ?? 20,000 kids age out of the system each year without being adopted. ?? 50% of foster youth experience homelessness within 18 months of aging out. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real children who deserve stability, love, and a future. The foster care system is meant to protect children, but it often fails due to: ?? Overburdened caseworkers ?? Lack of mental health resources ?? Frequent placement changes that cause emotional distress How can you help? ? Support organizations advocating for foster youth. ? Consider becoming a mentor, advocate, or foster parent. ? Demand policy changes that prioritize children’s well-being. Invisible Children is working to ensure that foster youth are not forgotten. Every child deserves a chance at a stable and loving future. #FosterCareCrisis #EveryChildMatters #AdoptDontShop

Jamie and Alex delve into the harrowing issue of children dying within the Child Protective Services (CPS) system. They discuss a groundbreaking report revealing that 200 children have died while within the CPS system,

What if I told you that many crimes in America could be prevented—not through harsher punishments, but by addressing childhood trauma? ?? Studies show that over 90% of youth in juvenile detention have experienced trauma. ?? Abused and neglected children are significantly more likely to engage in criminal activity as adults. ?? The U.S. spends billions of dollars each year on incarceration, yet far less on mental health and early intervention programs. Children don’t just "grow out" of trauma. Without support, they carry it into adulthood, often leading to substance abuse, violence, and involvement in the criminal justice system. So what’s the solution? ? Investing in early childhood mental health services ? Expanding trauma-informed education in schools ? Prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment for at-risk youth Invisible Children is working to change this by shedding light on the root causes of crime. If we want a safer society, we must start with protecting and supporting our children. #BreakTheCycle #TraumaInformedCare #JuvenileJustice

how 13 Minnesota Child Advocacy Centers (CAC's) are losing 80% of their Federal funding. If this happens they will likely disappear or become a shell of what they were in a very short time. CAC's keep safe and provide services to children and families...

When a child is removed from an unsafe home, who ensures they aren’t lost in the system? Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are volunteers who stand up for abused and neglected children in court. They ensure a child’s best interests are represented and that they receive the care and resources they need. But here’s the problem—there aren’t enough CASA volunteers to meet the growing number of children in need. You can make a difference. Becoming a CASA volunteer means giving a voice to children who would otherwise be unheard. Even if you can’t volunteer, you can support organizations that fight for children’s rights. Learn more about how you can get involved through Invisible Children’s KARA – CASA Ad Grant Initiative. Every child deserves an advocate. #CASAVolunteers #ChildAdvocacy #BeAVoice

a unique perspective of what happened to Minnesota’s CASA Guardian ad Litem program over the last 4 years.

Teachers are more than just educators—they are often first responders to childhood trauma. From witnessing signs of abuse to dealing with mental health crises, teachers carry an immense burden. Yet, they are expected to navigate these challenges with limited resources and support. ?? 94% of teachers report spending their own money on classroom supplies. ?? 1 in 5 children has a diagnosable mental health disorder, yet schools lack enough counselors. ?? Many teachers experience burnout due to overwhelming demands. If we want to improve the future for children, we must start with the people who shape them every day. This means: ?? Increasing mental health support in schools. ?? Providing better funding and resources for teachers. ?? Recognizing the emotional labor educators take on. Supporting teachers means supporting children. Let’s work together to strengthen our schools and create better outcomes for the next generation. #SupportTeachers #EducationMatters #MentalHealthInSchools

Fear and Firing of Mandated Reporters (KARA podcast)...professionals being punished, losing their jobs, and facing lawsuits for fulfilling their duties

Every day, thousands of children in the U.S. experience abuse, neglect, and exploitation. But these stories often go unheard. ?? 4.3 million child maltreatment reports are made each year. ?? Over 400,000 children are in foster care due to unsafe home environments. ?? Many cases of child abuse never get reported. What’s even more alarming? Many of these children cycle through broken systems, never receiving the support they need to heal. Child Protective Services (CPS) struggles with transparency, high caseloads, and limited resources—leaving vulnerable kids at risk. It’s time to demand better. We need: ? More funding for child welfare programs. ? Improved training for CPS workers. ? Greater community involvement to support at-risk youth. Invisible Children is working to bring these issues to light. The future of millions of children depends on our ability to create systemic change. Will you help? #EndChildAbuse #ProtectChildren #ChildWelfare