All Star Children’s Foundation (ASCF), a refuge for abused and neglected children–a place where healing occurs, hope is restored, and spirits are renewed–has received a $40,000 grant from Bank of America Client Foundation to support the continued implementation of All Star’s trauma-informed programs for children and families in the 12th Judicial Circuit’s foster care system.

The current foster care system all too often fails to address childhood trauma and the complex needs of children and families with child welfare involvement. Studies show that children placed in foster care have experienced multiple forms of trauma and face lifelong struggles including health problems, homelessness, and mental health issues. Moreover, child welfare and mental health systems are overburdened and underfunded, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed services to this population. ASCF plans to change the trajectory of the lives of children for the better through its six core programs: Evidence-Based Mental Health Interventions, Foster Parent Support, Birth Family Engagement, Trauma Training, Trauma-Informed Systems and Enrichment Programs. Each of these programs are evaluated by an internal research and evaluation team to create effective models that can be replicated around the country.

The ASCF’s state-of-the-art 5-acre campus is built on love and includes a 13,000 square foot pediatric treatment and research center, 6 single-family 5-bedroom foster homes, and a 3,000 square foot clubhouse and tutoring center. It is meant to provide children in foster care with an extraordinary place, a place designed to soothe, empower, and inspire. Children receive trauma-informed treatment in a setting where they can thrive and where the course of their lives will be forever changed.

“We are so grateful for the support of the Bank of America Client Foundation,” says ASCF Chief Program Officer Kristin Hoffman, Ph.D. “Their support will enable All Star to positively impact more children in the foster care system.”