06/03/2026
As June begins and summer settles across Texas, children and families are adjusting to a major seasonal transition. For many young people, summer is a time filled with fun and freedom. But for children and youth in foster care, the change in routine can bring increased uncertainty, stress, and emotional challenges.
During the school year, schools provide much more than education. For many children, school is a dependable source of meals, structure, social connection, emotional support, and stability. When summer arrives, those supports often disappear overnight. Children may face food insecurity, increased isolation, more screen time, and fewer opportunities for positive social interaction — all of which can negatively impact their mental health and emotional well-being.
For children in foster care, these challenges are often compounded by trauma. Children entering foster care frequently carry deep emotional wounds caused by abuse, neglect, family separation, and instability – changing homes and schools, being separated from everything they know. In fact, studies show that up to 80% of children in foster care experience significant mental health challenges, compared to approximately 20% of children in the general population. They struggle with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, and feelings of loneliness and isolation. In many cases, they don’t have access to consistent support systems or adequate mental health resources.
A letter from Texas CASA, CEO, Vicki Spriggs
