National Foster Care Statistics
Every year, hundreds of thousands of children across the United States experience foster care, often during moments of crisis, uncertainty, and deep transition. Many spend hours, and sometimes even nights, inside DSS/DHHS offices or government buildings while placement decisions are made.
At Lily Pad, we believe every child experiencing foster care deserves a soft place to land. That’s why we partner with DSS/DHHS offices, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to create trauma-informed spaces where children can rest, play, and feel safe during difficult moments.
Vulnerable youth are the group of children at greater risk of experiencing physical or emotional harm and/or experiencing negative outcomes, such as the loss of their education, morbidity, and malnutrition at higher rates than their peers do.
“I am not a number! I am a real person that wants a family that loves me, but I have been abused by my biological family and my adoptive family. I want to graduate high school and go to college. I want to be a counselor so I can help other kids like me….but, I am having trouble believing that any good thing will last. You know?”
- Faith, age 15
