Summer Can Be a Turning Point for Foster Youth in Oregon

For many children, summer is a season of anticipation. School is out, schedules loosen up, and families make plans for vacations, camps, and time together.

For youth in foster care, however, summer can feel very different.

The structure of the school year disappears. Trusted teachers and counselors are no longer part of daily life. Friends may be harder to see. For some youth, summer brings uncertainty about family visits, court proceedings, placement changes, or what the next school year will look like.

While these transitions can be challenging, they also present a unique opportunity: summer can become a season of healing, growth, and connection when young people have supportive adults in their corner.

Why Summer Matters for Youth in Foster Care

Children and teens in foster care often carry experiences that set them apart from their peers. Many have experienced instability, loss, trauma, or frequent transitions.

During the school year, routines provide a framework that helps many youth feel grounded. School offers predictability, social interaction, academic support, and access to caring adults who notice when something feels off.

When summer arrives, those anchors can disappear overnight.

This doesn't mean summer is inherently difficult, it means it becomes a critical period where stability, connection, and intentional support matter more than ever.

Looking Beyond Behavior

Summer often reveals needs that are easy to miss during a busy school year.

A child who seems withdrawn may be grieving relationships they won't see over the break. A teen who appears unmotivated may be struggling with uncertainty about their future. Increased irritability, boredom, or anxiety can sometimes reflect a deeper need for connection and reassurance.

The most effective caregivers learn to look beyond behavior and ask a different question:

What does this young person need right now to feel safe, valued, and supported?

That shift in perspective can transform a summer experience.

The Power of Belonging

One of the greatest gifts adults can offer foster youth is a sense of belonging.

Belonging isn't created through expensive vacations or elaborate activities. It's built through consistent moments that communicate:

• You matter here.

• You're included.

• We want you with us.

• Your presence makes a difference.

For foster youth, these messages can be life-changing.

Inviting a young person to help plan a family outing, teaching them a new skill, attending one of their activities, or simply sharing regular meals together can strengthen connection and trust.

These seemingly small moments often become the experiences youth remember most.

Summer Is an Opportunity to Build Confidence

The summer months create space for experiences that may not fit into the school calendar.

A teenager might get their first job.

A child might learn to ride a bike.

A young person may discover a talent for art, sports, music, gardening, cooking, or volunteering.

These experiences do more than fill time, they help youth develop confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of identity.

For children who have experienced significant challenges, opportunities to succeed and feel capable can be incredibly powerful.

Preparing Older Youth for What's Next

For teenagers in foster care, summer often brings important questions about the future.

What comes after high school?

How do I apply for jobs?

How do I manage money?

What does independence actually look like?

Adults can play a critical role by helping youth build practical life skills while also encouraging their dreams and aspirations.

A summer job, volunteer experience, mentorship opportunity, or career exploration activity can help a young person begin to envision possibilities beyond their current circumstances.

Communities Have a Role to Play

Supporting foster youth isn't something foster families do alone.

Every community member has the ability to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for young people in care.

Local businesses can offer internships and employment opportunities. Community organizations can provide activities and enrichment programs. Neighbors can support foster families with practical help and encouragement.

When communities invest in foster youth, they help create the connections and opportunities that every young person deserves.

How Therapeutic Foster Care Makes a Difference

Some youth need more than a safe place to stay, they need caregivers who are equipped to help them navigate complex emotional and behavioral challenges.

Therapeutic Foster Care provides specialized support for youth who have experienced significant trauma or who have unique behavioral health needs.

These foster parents receive additional training, resources, and professional support to help youth build trust, develop healthy coping skills, and achieve greater stability.

For many young people, a therapeutic foster home becomes the first place where they truly feel seen, understood, and supported.

One Caring Adult Can Change a Life

Research consistently shows that the presence of even one stable, caring adult can dramatically improve outcomes for young people who have experienced adversity.

That adult doesn't have to be perfect.

They simply need to be present, consistent, and willing to show up.

Summer creates countless opportunities to be that person.

Whether it's helping a child discover a new passion, supporting a teen as they prepare for adulthood, or providing a safe place to land during a difficult transition, the impact can last far beyond the season itself.

Help Foster Youth Thrive This Summer

Right now, youth across Oregon need caring adults who can provide stability, encouragement, and hope.

At GOBHI's Therapeutic Foster Care program, we partner with compassionate individuals and families who are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and teens facing some of life's biggest challenges.

You don't need to have all the answers. You don't need to be a perfect parent.

You simply need a willingness to open your heart, learn, and show up for a young person who needs support.

Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent

If you've ever wondered whether you could make a difference in a child's life, this may be your moment.

Summer transitions highlight just how important stable, nurturing relationships are for youth in care. By becoming a therapeutic foster parent, you can provide the consistency, connection, and support that helps young people heal and thrive.

Contact GOBHI's Therapeutic Foster Care team today to learn more about becoming a foster parent, attending an informational session, or exploring whether therapeutic foster care is right for you.

A safe home can change a summer.

A caring adult can change a life.