Foster care alumni gathered together for the 2009 holiday season at the Arizona State Capital to thank the state government for maintaining funding for essential child welfare programs. Several members of the legislature showed up at our event including Sen. Landrum Taylor, Rep. David Lujan and Rep. Nancy Barto. 

Arizona should be proud of its efforts to:

-Keep sibling groups together
-Reunite families whenever safely possible, through family reunification mandates
-Continuing support for Young Adult Transitional Insurance for foster youth aging out
-Keep Independent Living Subsidy for those aging out between the ages of 18-21
 
The State has a lot of work that could be done to better the foster care system but given the spirit of the holiday, reflection upon improvement requires acknowledgement. However, this event was more than a political statement. It was a chance for us, members of FCAA, to connect with each other during the holiday season.
 
Arizona has more youth in foster care that are growing up in group homes and residential facilities than any other state. Through FCAA’s hard work and collaboration, our members in Arizona hope to make the system a better place for our younger brothers and sisters to grow up in because every one needs a “forever family". 

Please take a look at our photos and make sure you are part of the fun next year!