Gov. Gavin Newsom just invested in the future of California’s foster youth. Here’s how
Kristina Tanner is the statewide policy coordinator at California Youth Connection.
As a former foster youth who spent 13 years navigating the system, I know firsthand the challenges and trauma that comes with being in foster care. I also know how life-changing small opportunities can be. That’s why I’m thrilled about a little-noticed provision in the governor’s recently signed budget that gives all of California’s 45,000 foster youth a minimum of $500 per month to spend on pursuing their interests and discovering new passions. This funding represents a generational win that promises to offer foster kids the kind of life that many middle-class children often take for granted.
When I was a kid in Chico, I loved basketball. Time on the court was my therapy. Being in foster care, even in the best homes, is by definition destabilizing. Basketball was my anchor. While I was constantly worried about moving and looking out for the next change, basketball was something I could rely on. It was also my education. I learned about teamwork, perseverance and discipline. I could channel my energy into something positive and find structure, form relationships and find mentors.
My coach, a woman named Kelley Chandler, became my mentor and role model — an example of what stability and consistency could look like, with healthy relationships built on trust, respect and commitment. She was able to help me through some of my most challenging times. Without basketball, I doubt I would have been able to work through the trauma I experienced. The sport gave me an outlet for my emotions and a way to process my experiences constructively. It also provided a sense of belonging and community, which was crucial for my emotional well-being. Foster kids need the stability, trust and sense of belonging that extracurricular activities can provide. But many foster families simply don’t have the resources to make that possible.
The kinds of things that many of my friends today look back on fondly — trips to the museum museum or out-of-town trips with their soccer team — are simply unaffordable for many, if not most, kids in foster care. Paying for gas to drive across town to soccer practice can be difficult, not to mention all of the other expenses that go along with pursuing your passions. That’s why the $500 per month from the state means more foster youth will have the chance to play sports, take field trips and learn to play musical instruments. It means they can join clubs, attend summer camps and explore interests that could shape their futures. These are activities that many middle-class children enjoy, but for most foster kids, they remain out of reach. The benefits of this stipend extend beyond personal enrichment: Engaging in extracurricular activities has been shown to improve mental health, academic performance and social skills. For foster children, who often face higher rates of trauma, these positive experiences are crucial.
When foster youth dream and thrive, the entire community benefits. These funds are a testament to the progress we can make when we listen to the people who have lived in the system. As an advocate, I have long fought for systemic changes that recognize and address the unique needs of foster youth. This stipend is a significant step in the right direction, but it should not be the last. We must continue to push for policies that provide foster kids with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. This funding is recognition that every child, regardless of their background, should have the chance to explore their passions, develop their talents and experience the joys of childhood. This is an investment in the future of our foster youth. Kristina Tanner is the statewide policy coordinator at California Youth Connection.
Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article290540359.html#storylink=cpy
