to take the survey, regardless of whether or not you are licensed, pre-licensed, or no longer licensed.   The survey is also available in Spanish (through the same link.)

research on the prevalence of pregnancy among foster teens.  According to their website:

 taken from pbs.org website)

Nearly one in every 10 American children is diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Often the treatment prescribed is medication, and often the medication is heavy-duty - so-called antipsychotic drugs.

In this report, you'll see that foster care children are prescribed drugs at a rate much greater than that of other kids. Concern over their well-being - not to mention the amount it costs to treat them - has prompted the Government Accountability Office to investigate potentially abusive prescribing practices in America's state foster care systems. The GAO findings are expected to come out later this year..... Click here to read the rest of this report and view the video. 

FosterClub is a national organization composed of over 20,000 members consisting of foster and former foster youth, and their allies.  Their goal is to support and improve the lives of foster youth.  Every year they sponsor "All Stars" who serve as interns.  A link to their website appears below for those interested in exploring this internship on behalf of a deserving CT youth.  Applications are due by February 15.

"A team of young people age 18- 24 will be selected to serve a summer internship with FosterClub and assist in planning and facilitating Independent living Teen Conferences and other foster care and child welfare events held throughout the country. Youth will be selected to represent a diversity in foster care experiences, education, current paths (college, employment, job corps, etc.), race & ethnicity and geographical location. All applicants must have spent time in the foster care system. Each will demonstrate leadership potential and ability to connect with peers...." Click here to read the rest of this story...

The federal government has issued a warning about the growing use of bath salts or their legally sold ingredients to get high.  At least 25 states have reported documented abuse of this new craze. 

FULTON, Miss. - When Neil Brown got high on dangerous chemicals sold as bath salts, he took his skinning knife and slit his face and stomach repeatedly. Brown survived, but authorities say others haven't been so lucky after snorting, injecting or smoking powders with such innocuous-sounding names as Ivory Wave, Red Dove and Vanilla Sky....To read the rest of this Huffington Post article click here .

To open the US Department of Justice Alert click on the link below. 

US Dept of Justice Bath Salts Abuse Alert 

In the stillness of the quiet,

if we listen,

we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness,

courage to fear,

hope to despair.

~Howard Thurman