Have you ever considered the silent struggles of America's foster children, hidden in plain sight until a dire headline seizes our attention? Together with our passionate guest, Kristen Beal, who has tirelessly worked with juvenile offenders and advocated for child victims, we peel back the layers of the foster care system to reveal the intricate challenges faced by nearly 400,000 young souls. As Kristen shares her insights from her roles in the Delaware Peace Collaborative and Friends of CASA, we unfurl the stories of these 'invisible' children, underscoring the transformative power of a consistent, nurturing adult presence in their lives.This episode traverses the landscape of foster care, from the Court Appointed Special Advocates in Ohio to the struggles  facing  older teens on the cusp of independence. We tackle the tough questions: Why do educational deficits persist among foster children? What leads to the overrepresentation of impoverished youth in the system? And most importantly, how can education and individual advocacy bridge the gap of access and opportunity? Through our heartfelt discussion, an invitation is extended to each listener to become a beacon of hope, as we celebrate the victories born of collaboration between foster parents, county services, and educators. Join us for a conversation that not only sheds light on these pressing issues but also ignites a call to action for the sake of our nation's foster youth.National Casa - The National CASA/GAL Association for Children supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. childwelfare.gov - a gateway to trusted resources on the child welfare continuum.We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.