In Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of

the Pennsylvania State Resource Family Association (PSRFA)

Saturday, May 24, 2014 / 3-5:00 p.m. / The Forum, Harrisburg, PA

FEATURING COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER JIMMY WAYNE!

Michele M. Ridge, Honorary Chair

Order tickets at www.whitakercenter.org or call 717-214-2787. Proceeds will benefit the Educational Scholarship Fund which provides post secondary opportunities to PA children in the foster/adoption system & provide sponsorships for foster/adoptive children to attend the Jimmy Wayne concert! Children 12 & under free accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information visit our website at www.psrfa.org & find us on Facebook or call PSRFA at 1-800-951-5151. Make it a fun Memorial Day weekend in Harrisburg at our special 40th anniversary event with country music star Jimmy Wayne & at Harrisburg’s ArtsFest along Riverfront Park! SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE JUST CALL!

ABOUT US

PSRFA advocates for all those who care about children and their families.  We work supportively with foster, adoptive, and kinship families, and with local foster parent associations and agencies who care for the children we serve. Our Vision it so involve all parts of the community to improve the quality of family life in PA and to influence child welfare policy and practice, both nationally and internationally. 

THE PSRFA EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND:

PSRFA continues its dedication and commitment to foster care through a scholarship fund for continued education.  This fund, established in 1988, has grown to include biological/adopted children of PSRFA’s members.  The scholarship program is open to high school seniors who are presently in care though a private or public foster care agency in PA or whose parents are “active” members of PSRFA. Within the past 15 years, PSRFA has awarded over $133,000 in scholarships. Seniors in high school are awarded scholarships toward attending a college or trade school or other vocational training of their choice in PA. 

 

THE FACTS

  • Approximately 13,000 – 15,000 PA children are currently in foster care and part of  the child welfare system.
  • Not all children have families to support them. Last year, there were more than 8,000 youth 13 and older who lived in the foster care system in PA.
  • Sadly, 1,100 PA youth “age out” of foster care each year into uncertain circumstances, without a permanent family or home or any financial support for continuing education.
  • Far too many youth never end up with a stable, permanent family situation, and leave the system at 18 or older or “age out”.  They are sometimes left on their own; with few, if any financial resources, limited education, training and employment options; homeless, and with little or no support from family, friends and community.
  • Approximately 65% of PA foster parents adopt their children.
  • Child Protective Services Law defines a “Resource Family” as “A family that provides temporary foster or kinship care for children who need out-of-home placement and may eventually provide permanency for those children, including an adoptive family.
Photo by afagen