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Foster Care Awareness Month

The month of May is National Foster Care Month. National Foster Care Month presents us with an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate foster families across the country, as well as child welfare agencies, service providers and policymakers who work to help the nearly 400,000 vulnerable children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and lasting community connections.

In his proclamation earlier this month, President Obama emphasized what we in the field know well from experience: “Our nation’s children have the greatest chance of reaching their fullest potential when they have strong support structures and families behind them.”  We believe that, too.  And Devereux is proud to work with foster parents and families of all backgrounds and orientations -- across all faith communities -- to help children and youth in the foster care system find the love and nurturing they deserve. 

We hope you will take a moment this month to recognize and thank dedicated foster parents and staff for the critically important work they are doing for our children. Many Devereux Centers across the country provide foster care services of the highest quality. We hope you will take the time to learn about the remarkable work they are doing.

This year's National Foster Care Month theme is "Get to Know the Many Faces of Foster Care" and highlights the diversity of the children, youth, families and professionals involved in child welfare. This year's theme also draws attention to the fact that “successful permanency” can mean many different things to a child, and our foster care system needs to remain flexible so we ensure children can access foster care in the most loving environment that meet their own unique needs.   

Through Devereux’s partnership with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and participation in HRC’s All Children All Families project, Devereux recognizes the many faces of foster care, including LGBTQ children who need culturally competent foster parents, as well as LGBTQ foster parents, whose love and unconditional support can change a child’s life.  Devereux Arizona was the first Devereux Center, and the first behavioral health provider in the state of Arizona, to achieve HRC’s All Children-All Families Seal of Recognition.  Devereux Florida became the second Devereux Center to earn the Seal. Devereux Georgia is currently awaiting certification, and Devereux Massachusetts and Texas are currently in the certification process.

Devereux provides traditional foster care and treatment foster care (TFC) services at multiple centers throughout our 13-state network, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Texas.  For more information about foster care and our services, please go to www.devereux.org and our Center websites available by link from our national site.

		Devereux article on disparities in pain management featured in Behavioral Health News An article written by Devereux National Director of Behavioral Health Services Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D., was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article – “Disparities in pain management: Examining cultural inequities and the critical role of behavioral health providers” – explores the history of cultural disparities and how behavioral health professionals can assist systems of care.
		Devereux GA opens Grace’s Place to support survivors of human trafficking Devereux Georgia recently worked with Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, the state Department of Human Services and other community partners to open Grace’s Place, a commercial sexual exploitation recovery center for youth. Grace’s Place, located in Lawrenceville, helps survivors of human trafficking recover and rebuild their lives.
		Devereux honors nurses, teachers and mental health providers during May observances At Devereux, we are celebrating our more than 200 nurses, 200 teachers and 300 mental health providers who go above and beyond to meet the needs of the children, adolescents and adults they serve.
		Mental Health Awareness Month: Fostering open dialogue, understanding and support During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is highlighting the importance of talking openly about mental health to combat stigma, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and encourage those in need to seek support.

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