THE MISSION OF FOSTERUSKIDS IS TO EQUIP AND EMPOWER PEOPLE TO BECOME FOSTER PARENTS.
FosterUSKids is a beacon for would-be foster parents, offering a one-stop resource for state-specific fostering guidelines and connecting foster and adoptive families with children through local child-placing agencies. Before FosterUSKids, no single, streamlined platform existed to equip families with essential fostering information and empower them to take that all-important first step in their parenting journey.
The initiative sprang from the deep-rooted commitment of Richard and Andrea Kingswell. With a career dedicated to social services, Richard founded an independent foster care agency in Virginia in 2006. Andrea brought her career expertise in digital hospitality marketing to the table. Fueled by their own parenting experiences and partly inspired by the film "Instant Family," they created FosterVA.org.
Learning from its successful run as Virginia's leading foster care website, Richard and Andrea expanded their vision to nurture and support foster communities nationwide.
Our goal is straightforward.
Enable and encourage more adults to become loving, reliable foster and adoptive parents for the nearly 400,000 children in the United States foster care system. FosterUSKids.org simplifies the complex landscape of finding and accessing foster care resources, consolidating information dispersed across small foster and adoption agencies, social services, and governing body sites.
The stakes are high.
A stable family is a game-changer for a child facing not only unsafe living conditions but also the challenges of displacement from home, school, and community. The child welfare system lacks enough foster homes. This leaves many children in foster care vulnerable to a host of risks, from academic struggles and mental health issues to substance abuse and homelessness.
The outcomes are clear.
A single dependable adult can significantly influence a child's success in achieving their full potential in life. Whether you're a current or aspiring foster or adoptive parent, a foster child, or someone invested in improving the system, we welcome your contributions to FosterUSKids. If you're looking for specific information, we're eager to hear and meet your needs.
With gratitude,
Richard and Andrea