Foster youth in the Valley gathered on March 15, 2024, to voice their concerns to state lawmakers, aiming to address pressing issues within group homes. The meeting, hosted by the Jacob’s Mission Community Center and the Congregate Care Coalition, brought together dozens of teens from the foster care system along with several state representatives.
Among the lawmakers present were State Representatives Khyl Powell, Walter Blackman, Lisa Fink, and State Senator David Farnsworth. Senator Farnsworth expressed a commitment to understanding the individual experiences of these youths, stating, “I want to understand each individual experience. See what we might be able to do in the Senate to help make things better.”
Addressing Safety and Mental Health Concerns
The teenagers raised a variety of concerns, with safety issues, mental health struggles, and incidents of runaways topping the list. Many participants reported feeling unsafe in their group homes, citing incidents of drug offers and a general lack of security. “They’ve discussed the inability to have normalcy,” said Anika Robinson, an organizer of the event. “They’ve expressed that many kids have been moved in and out of group homes and how some staff have not been properly trained on how to de-escalate or care for them.”
Richilyn Fox, a former kinship caregiver, attended the meeting to advocate for the youth. She shared the tragic story of Zariah Dodd, a 16-year-old who was shot and killed while living in a group home. Fox emphasized the importance of fighting for these children, saying, “If this was someone in your family, how would you fight for them? These kids, just because they’re in the system in group homes and don’t have that solid family, they matter.”
Dodd was reportedly allowed to leave the group home for a walk the night she disappeared. Fox, who has also worked as a group home manager and was a foster child herself, highlighted the ongoing challenges within the system. “Day by day, month by month, year by year, the system is getting worse and failing multiple kids,” Fox remarked. “These are kids who want this change.”
A Call for Systemic Reform
The meeting served as a platform for foster youth to articulate their needs and concerns directly to policymakers. Many participants voiced a desire for reforms that would enhance their living conditions and overall well-being. The discussions aimed at fostering a deeper understanding among lawmakers about the realities faced by those in the foster care system.
The dialogue between lawmakers and the youth underscores the urgent need for systemic change within Arizona’s foster care framework. As these teens continue to advocate for their rights and safety, the hope is that their voices will lead to actionable changes that improve their experiences in group homes across the state.
With ongoing discussions and advocacy efforts, there is potential for significant reforms that could positively impact the lives of countless children in the foster care system.
