This week, our team delved into identifying the core challenges underlying our project’s focus. Our primary concern is the well-being of Houston area children within the foster care system. Among the many avenues to support CPS-involved children, we pinpointed key areas: bolstering awareness across Houston, facilitating access to essential resources and mentors, and fostering a sense of belonging and support. Our initial research endeavors not only augmented our understanding of the intricacies of the foster care system but also prompted us to reevaluate our preconceptions. We recognized that many foster children lack the fundamental support structure provided by a nurturing family environment, leading to feelings of isolation amidst peers unfamiliar with their struggles. Through our research and introspection, our team went beyond surface-level comprehension of the issue to gain profound insights into the experiences and needs of our target users. Leveraging this newfound understanding, we talked with our community partners about our initial questions. Next, we hope to refine our understanding and talk directly with our users.