February 8, 2018

Bryanna Fox
210 S Windy Mansion Road
Denver, PA 17517

Senator Ryan Aument

301 East Main Street
Lititz, PA 17543
Dear Senator Aument:
I am a student at Harrisburg Area Community College and I am currently earning my degree in
Early Childhood Education. As a future teacher, I desire to become a voice for many regarding
the issue of Child Welfare.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS), there is a real struggle
being fought in the lives of many children as they try to thrive as young students. In 2014,
nationally there were 702,000 children confirmed as victims of maltreatment. This devastating
truth leads to the just action of looking for beneficial homes for the victimized. However,
according to the HHS, things are not looking up in some aspects of the foster care system either.
“Between 2010 and 2014, more states declined in performance (14 states) than improved (9
states) related to achieving timely reunifications”. This leads me to wonder what can be done
about these numbers, and more specifically how can we help these children.
In light of the issues listed above, numerous organizations have been formed. First Focus and
the AARP Foundation Grandparenting Program are two that stuck out to me. First Focus directs
attention to the federal policies that significantly improve the lives of American children. The
AARP Foundation Grandparenting Program zeros in more to children’s families by aiding
Grandparents with the tools needed to care for their grandchildren when the immediate home life
is less than ideal.
As a college student, I am provided with ample opportunities to engage in the lives of children
directly and impact them. As a Mandated Reporter I am trained to look for signs of maltreatment
in the students. I am continuing to learn about the ways organizations locally and nationally are
impacting children. Finding groups and individuals around me that are passionate about child
welfare is key and I desire to do just that.
My only request of you Senator Aument is that you consider funding advocacy organizations
such as these because of the urgent and realistic need facing children in our own communities
today. If these organizations have the resources they need to improve their cause, lives will be
changed. And changing lives for the good is ultimately the greatest repercussion any of our
actions could cause.
Thank you very much for giving of your time to consider my request.

Sincerely,

Bryanna Fox