As the founders of RAISE FRC, we have dedicated ourselves to standing up for North Carolina's most vulnerable children and youth in foster care. We believe that every child deserves a secure attachment that leads to a lasting family. However, our current system does not prioritize these crucial elements.

We are calling on our state legislators to support child-first legislation, caregiver voice and retention. This means prioritizing laws that put the needs of children first - ensuring they are placed in stable, loving homes as quickly as possible. It also means listening to caregivers' experiences and insights, valuing their role in shaping young lives.

Caregiver retention is another critical issue we must address. The turnover rate for foster caregivers is alarmingly high due to lack of support and resources (Child Welfare Information Gateway). By improving conditions for these selfless individuals, we can ensure more children have the opportunity for secure attachments leading to lasting families.

Our plea is straightforward: We need laws that prioritize the well-being of our state's most vulnerable citizens – our children in foster care. We urge you all - residents of North Carolina - join us in this fight by signing this petition today!