Vol. 6, No. 2• May 2002

A virtual clubhouse for kids in foster care

Started by a foster parent who wanted the nearly 600,000 children in foster care nationwide to have a special club of their own, www.FosterClub.org provides kids in care a way to communicate with one another, gather information, and celebrate their achievements.

Membership is free and open to youth ages 2 through 22 who are in the foster care system. Members receive a membership card and certificate, a decoder that allows entry into “top secret” parts of the web site, and other materials. The site features message boards on which youth can talk to one another, gives achievement awards for raising grades, making the honor role, participating on sports teams, or performing in plays. The club also tells the stories of celebrities who spent time in foster care, including comic hero Superman, John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe, and Eddie Murphy.

The site also offers a practical question-and-answer section to inform kids about the foster care system, an advice column called “Ask Annie,” and stories written by young people about their experiences in foster care. It also provides information and advice about jobs, education, living on your own, and the Independent Living Program. A related site provides information, inspiration, and tips to foster parents.

Copyright © 2001 by Child Welfare League of America. From Children’s Voice, 10(5), (Sept. 2001), p. 18. Reprinted by special permission of CWLA.