THE FACTS

In an unparalleled call to action, Diane Sawyer and ABC News looks at the crisis of the foster care system, in a report that aired June 1st, 2006

Diane Sawyer, ABC Primetime…
“Beyond statistics are human stories of endurance, of hope, of unforgettable children, wise beyond their years, that are caught in a failing system that too often results in their neglect and even death”.

• There are 500,000 kids in foster care today
• There are 100,000 children in foster care in California
• These children bounce from home to home, school to school, averaging from 4 – 12 placements before 13 years old
• 85% of foster children are physically, emotionally and/or sexually abused
• At age 18, they “Age Out”of the system to fend for themselves With no family support, stable home and little preparation to survive on their own, 75% will be incarcerated before 25 years old.

“What these children want is for someone to stay forever in their lives”….
- Diane Sawyer, ABC News