A MAP to Success

Foster Success understands that mental health is a critical component of overall well-being. That’s why we launched the Mental Health, Acceptance, Promotion & Support (M.A.P.S.) initiative last year, a lifeline for young people navigating the complex mental health landscape.

For many young people with lived experience in foster care, the journey to securing consistent mental health support can be daunting. The average wait time to connect with a permanent mental health provider ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. For those in crisis or facing severe mental health challenges, this wait can have a profound and detrimental impact.

Recognizing this urgent need, M.A.P.S. provides immediate, accessible mental health services. Through this program, young people can access up to eight free therapy sessions while they work with Foster Success to find a long-term provider. This immediate intervention is crucial in ensuring that no young person faces the wait for mental health support alone.

According to Foster Success’s most recent impact survey, 60% of young people report having a mental health diagnosis. This statistic highlights the pressing need for accessible mental health services, a need that M.A.P.S. is actively addressing.

“MAPS has been a great resource for me to help me find the right kind of therapy, They have been super helpful and understanding what I exactly need! It is definitely an underrated resource that is crucial because sometimes we don’t know what we need in the beginning.”
– M.A.P.S. Program Participant

Supported by a generous $291,250 grant from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, M.A.P.S. not only offers therapeutic support but also fosters a sense of acceptance and belonging.

“The Health and Well-Being programs focus on the whole person: physical, mental, and financial. We provide resources like housing, financial support, food, hygiene items, transportation, medical & health needs, and self-advocacy,”
– Angel Crone, Senior Director of Impact & Programming

Through M.A.P.S., Foster Success is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people, ensuring that they have the support they need to thrive, even in the face of mental health challenges.