The new Family Development/Community Outreach Coordinator in the Missoula office of Youth Dynamics, Victoria Roberts, is excited about taking on her new position which includes Helena “and everything in between, including the Bitterroot valley.”
Youth Dynamics is a Montana-based non-profit child placing agency and mental health center with locations throughout the state. They have been serving at-risk children and families since 1981, employing approximately 500 Montanans, and serving over 2,000 kids each year.
“We wrap supportive services around foster care placements in order to help children recover from past trauma,” said Roberts, “and foster care is one of the many services we provide to Montana kids.” She said their goal is to build strong families and make a difference in Montana, one child at a time.
According to Roberts, there are currently 3,952 children in the foster care system, with the number of kids in care steadily increasing each year. Unfortunately, the number of available foster homes has not kept up with the need.
“Each week we receive referrals for 10-20 children in need of placement, but sadly,” she said, “we are not able to find homes for many of these kids.” She said many children in foster care will end up in group homes, shelter care, or being placed out of the area in order to find placement. 33% of children in foster care will change elementary schools five or more times, causing them to fall behind academically and lose friends that they had made in the process. Additionally, due to trauma, frequent moves, and a history of abuse and neglect, children in the foster care system are being diagnosed with PTSD in record numbers, surpassing that of US war veterans. She said public awareness is an important factor in creating homes for children in need.
“Community education has the potential to change these children’s lives forever,” said Roberts.
For more information on Youth Dynamics, visit www.youthdynamics.org, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ydimt/, or call Victoria Roberts at (406) 203-5761.