At Koinonia, we believe foster care is about more than placement—it’s about belonging, relationship, and an opportunity to heal.

When youth enter foster care, they do not do so alone. Their families, the families who open their homes to care for them, and the professionals supporting both sides are all navigating loss, transition, and uncertainty. In those moments, representation matters. Who shows up. Who listens. Who understands lived experience. And who creates an environment rooted in dignity, safety, and care—for everyone involved.

When kids feel seen and understood, outcomes improve. Trust deepens. Healing becomes possible.

Representation Shapes Safety and Stability

Children enter foster care carrying more than a suitcase. They bring their identities, cultures, lived experiences, and histories—often shaped by systemic inequities, economic hardship, and misunderstanding. In California, more than half of youth in foster care identify as Latino, nearly half are over the age of 10, and almost half of families with children in care live below the federal poverty level. Identity can also include sexual orientation and gender identity: while only about 7–9% of youth in the general population identify as LGBTQ+, estimates suggest that up to 30% of youth in foster care do, often due in part to family rejection or lack of affirmation. These intersecting identities shape how youth experience the system and underscore why representation and culturally responsive support are essential, not optional.

Research shows that youth whose identities are misunderstood or dismissed are more likely to experience placement disruptions, mental health challenges, and feelings of isolation. In contrast, when youth are met with affirmation and understanding, they experience greater stability, stronger connections, and improved emotional well-being.

Representation across culture, language, socioeconomic background, race, gender identity, and sexual orientation helps ensure that youth are not asked to leave parts of themselves at the door in order to receive care.

Representation in Social Work Builds Trust and Stability

Social workers are often the most consistent adults in the lives of youth in foster care. They are advocates, guides, and decision-makers during some of the most pivotal moments in a child’s life.

When social workers reflect the cultural, racial, and lived experiences of the families and youth they serve—or are deeply trained in cultural humility and identity-affirming practice—communication improves and trust grows, and relationships are built. This is especially important for youth whose identities have been misunderstood or marginalized in other systems.

Representation in social work supports:

• Stronger family engagement
• Fewer cultural misunderstandings
• Increased placement stability
• More informed, compassionate decision-making

When youth feel understood rather than managed, they are more likely to engage in services and advocate for themselves.

Representation in Therapy Supports Healing

Therapy is a critical support for children in foster care—but only when youth feel safe enough to be honest.

Culturally responsive and identity-affirming mental health services have been shown to:

• Improve engagement in therapy
• Increase emotional regulation and coping skills
• Strengthen long-term mental health outcomes

For youth whose trauma is tied to identity—whether related to race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, or family separation—representation in therapy can help prevent retraumatization and foster genuine healing. Feeling seen in a therapeutic space can be the difference between surviving trauma and truly processing it.

Representation Within Foster Families Creates Belonging

Foster families play a powerful role in shaping how children understand family, safety, and love. Inclusive foster families—across race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, beliefs, abilities, life experiences, and family structure—send a clear and powerful message: You belong here.

Belonging is not a bonus. It is foundational to healing.

Children who feel accepted and affirmed in their foster homes experience greater emotional security, stronger attachments, and improved long-term outcomes. Representation within foster families helps children imagine a future where they are valued—not despite who they are, but because of it.

Our Commitment

Representation is not a trend—it is a responsibility.

We are committed to affirming lived experiences, elevating inclusive practices, and strengthening systems of care where every child feels seen, safe, and supported. Because when representation is present, children don’t just survive—they thrive.

What You Can Do

Foster parents: Commit to learning and creating compassionate affirming homes

Professionals: Advocate for inclusive, trauma-informed practices

Community members: Support this work through advocacy, partnership, and giving

Together, we can be the representation that changes outcomes—and lives.

Kaitlin Earnest, Contributor