10/25/2024
"It is time for us all to create open and respectful spaces for everyone.
As the song lyric in my mom’s favorite song, Let There Be Peace on Earth, reminds us: And let it begin with me."
-Holly J. Mitchell
In 2023, during a Foster Youth In Action webinar, "Understanding the Crown Act: What are the Roots of Respect, How do we Build Resilient Spaces for Mental Health & Self-Expression", foster care advocates across the US joined in the conversation to discuss how the CROWN Act impacts child welfare system impacted populations.
Listening to the voices of current and former youth who experienced care, allies, and philanthropic partners, one theme was made clear.
Our youth do not feel supported in decisions around hair and wearing cultural wrappings because hair is not seen as a priority. It is evident how mainstream American societal issues such as hair discrimination and cultural discrimination can trickle down and intersect with our child and family serving systems.
Our solution was rooted in collaboration and understanding the power of listening to the lived experience experts and allies who navigate communities and systems.
In partnership, we created 5 Tipsheets for clinical staff & social workers, advocates & allies, caregivers, legal advocates(lawyers, CASA, GAL), and youth & young adults to inform about the importance of hair hygiene {maintenance and care} and cultural coverings for all populations in substitute care {foster care, kinship, juvenile, mental health, adoption} nationwide.
Our purpose is to build capacity, connect people to resources, and challenge the way care is given & received within the United States, jurisdictions, territories, and tribes.
In addition to the five tipsheets, there will be a Spanish version for the youth and young adults.
Join us on October 29th, 2024, for the official release date of the tipsheet resource.
This resource will be available on all social media platforms.
Virtual PDFs will be shared upon request.
We hope to engage with you then.
Onwards!
