In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) created the Task Force on Foster Care (TFOFC) with the charge to increase the awareness, knowledge, and skills of pediatricians regarding the needs of children and teens in foster care.

The ultimate goal is to improve the health and well-being of children and teens in foster care. Recently, the TFOFC launched the Healthy Foster Care America Website to engage communities and their leaders in supporting children, teens, and their families with an effective, multidisciplinary, integrated, and comprehensive continuum of care. The Web site is now live and can be accessed at www.aap.org/fostercare/. It was developed as a place where professionals and partner organizations can find the latest tools, resources, facts, and figures on the health and well-being of children and teens in foster care.

The Web site has the following features:

• Expert information on the health issues and needs of children and teens in foster care
• Downloadable chapters from Fostering Health: Health Care for Children and Adolescents in Foster Care, 2nd Ed
• Easy-to-use search capabilities by keyword
• Subscription to the Healthy Foster Care America listserv to receive the latest information about the health issues and needs of children and teens in foster care
• Customizable forms for health care professionals
• Direct links to www.HealthyChildren.org
• A Special Place for Children and Families portal of resources for children and teens in care, parents (foster and birth) and kin

We look forward to providing you with the latest news, tools, and resources on the health and well-being of children and teens in foster care. Feel free to contact Aldina M Hovde, MSW, at 847/434-7119 or ahovde@aap.org if you have any questions.

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