Every child deserves a safe place to call home.
Unfortunately, thousands of children across Mississippi enter foster care each year because of abuse, neglect, family crisis, or unsafe living conditions. Many carry with them the emotional effects of trauma—experiences that can impact their development, relationships, education, and long-term well-being.
As we recognize National PTSD Awareness Month, it is important not only to understand the effects of trauma, but also to consider how communities can work together to address the systems and supports that help children heal.
The Connection Between Trauma and Foster Care
Children enter foster care through no fault of their own. Yet the circumstances that lead them there often involve significant hardship and instability.
Trauma can affect nearly every aspect of a child’s life. Some children struggle with anxiety, depression, or trust issues. Others may experience challenges in school, emotional regulation, or social relationships.
Without proper support, the effects of trauma can continue well into adulthood.
That reality underscores the importance of a foster care system that does more than provide temporary placement. Children need stability, consistency, and access to caring adults who can help them heal and grow.
Why Foster Care Reform Matters
Across Mississippi, child welfare leaders, nonprofit organizations, churches, and community partners continue working to strengthen the foster care system and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
One of the greatest challenges remains the need for more foster families.
When there are not enough licensed foster homes available, placement options become limited. Children may be separated from siblings, moved farther from their communities, or experience multiple placement changes that can add to existing trauma.
Creating more safe, stable homes helps reduce these disruptions and gives children a greater opportunity to build meaningful relationships and find lasting support.
A New Opportunity to Serve Mississippi’s Children
In 2025, Sunnybrook Children’s Home was awarded a contract by the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) to serve as a licensed foster care agency. This partnership allows Sunnybrook to recruit, train, and license foster families while helping expand foster care capacity across Mississippi.
This effort builds upon Sunnybrook’s longstanding commitment to serving vulnerable youth and preparing them for successful futures.
Through trauma-informed training, mentorship, community support, and foster family development, we are working to ensure that foster families have the resources they need to provide safe and nurturing environments for children in their care.
Our goal extends beyond licensing.
We want to help create a culture where foster families are supported, children are valued, and healing can take place.
From Awareness to Action
National PTSD Awareness Month reminds us that trauma is real, but so is hope.
Every foster parent who opens their home, every volunteer who invests their time, every donor who supports services, and every community partner who joins the mission becomes part of the solution.
Together, we can create more opportunities for children to experience safety, stability, and belonging.
Together, we can strengthen foster families and support healing.
Together, we can help transform trauma into hope.
Join the Mission
If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent, mentoring a young person, volunteering, or supporting Sunnybrook’s work, now is the time.
The need is great, but so is the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the life of a child.
To learn more about Sunnybrook’s Foster Family Community and foster care ministry, visit sunnybrookms.org/foster-family-community.