National Foster Care Month pays detailed attention to the needs of those currently in foster care and looks for greater understanding in which the system can reformed. As of 2021, although only comprising 14% of the total population of children in the country, Black kids in the United States represent 23% of children that are in foster care

Among many of the crises taking place in America, the lack of care given to those within the foster care system is at the top of the list. These children face heightened safety insecurities, with many going their whole lives without ever finding a proper home. Because the infrastructure of the foster care system in the U.S. so faulty, there's a need for great private organizations to fill in the gap.

Here are 3 Black-led organizations that are leading the charge to support Black youth in the foster care system.

The Felix Organization

A product of the foster care system, Run DMC's Darryl "DMC" McDaniels co-founded the Felix Organization, a camp, with Sheila Jaffe to create a space that youth can feel safe regardless of their circumstances. The camp houses foster youth and connects them to opportunities and experiences that they would not normally have access to. Last year, the organization launched Camp Felix Pride in conjunction with the New York Foundling to support LGBTQ+ youth within the foster care system.

Kids in the Spotlight (KITS)

Through the power of filmmaking and storytelling, KITS creates a medium for youth in foster care to channel their traumas and lived experiences. With over 85 films created by over 850 participants, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit seeks to shift the narrative about kids who are a part of the foster care system while altering the trajectory of their lives in a positive manner.

#FosterCare

Founded by Kevinee Gilmore, #FosterCare is a nonprofit that started out as a social media movement with the intent to bring visibility to foster children everywhere. Today, the organization has created a program called Kevi's House which aims to refurbish abandoned homes and turn them into homes for children in foster care to live in.