The Institute envisions a world where abused and neglected children have the support and the tools to address chronic undereducation, unemployment and homelessness. The Institute's programs improve the lives of abused and neglected children by supporting best practices in education, research and the law.
 

• Promotes best practices for foster youth in college

• Supports access to information when an abused child dies in order to aid prevention efforts

• Supports an abused child's right to be heard through an advocate

• Educates courts and legislators on how specific decisions and laws can impact children

• Leverages change by working with others

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History

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The First Star Institute was founded on December 15, 2015 to promote best practices serving abused and neglected children in education, research and the law, and to continue the policy programs previously conducted by First Star.  First Star is a national 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to improving life for child victims of abuse and neglect. Since 2011 First Star pioneered support programs to launch foster children into productive lives and careers.  In 2016, the growth and diversity of First Star’s programs required two entities with separately focused governance, and the historical First Star policy work was transferred to First Star Institute.  The amicable relationship between the two organizations builds on First Star’s success, and the two “sister” entities share a common lineage.

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