8 Ways to Help Foster Kids in Your Community

America is facing a critical shortage of foster care homes. Last year, the number of licensed foster homes dropped in over half of states across the country.

Children and teens are stuck with nowhere to go and are being placed in emergency rooms, hotels, offices, and former juvenile detention facilities. That's no way for any child to grow up.

There are far more youth in foster care than licensed homes open or willing to take them in. Thankfully, there are ways to help foster kids in your community. Here are eight different options to explore.

1. Become a Foster Parent

One of the best ways to help the children in foster care is to get your foster license and open your home.

These children need somewhere to go and loving families to help them. They shouldn't feel unwanted or have to bounce between locations.

You must undergo training, background checks, and interviews to receive your foster care license. You must also meet your state's basic eligibility requirements.

Read our comprehensive guide to learn more about long-term foster care.

2. Helping Foster Kids by Raising Awareness

Not everyone has the time or the means to care for a foster child. We understand that it's not always possible for some people to become parents.

Maybe your job requires long hours, or you work an unusual shift. Perhaps you don't have a spare bedroom or space for another child. Whatever the reason, there are still ways to help foster kids in your community.

One way is to raise awareness about the situation. Many people aren't unaware of the dire need for more licensed families. You can volunteer with foster agencies in your area and dedicate time to helping the cause.

3. Donate to Foster Organizations

Even modest donations can go a long way in helping foster care organizations. If you have the money, consider donating as a way of helping foster kids in your area.

There are plenty of ways you can donate as well. Some organizations will gladly accept care items, school supplies, personal hygiene items, toys, etc.

Donating a backpack or duffel bag is also extremely helpful as it gives kids a proper place to store and carry their belongings. After all, many children enter the foster care system with all their possessions carried like trash, which can be dehumanizing.

These kids did nothing wrong, yet they may feel like they did simply because of how they're treated.

4. Start Helping Foster Families

If you can't become a full-time foster parent, you can still help the families in your community, especially if you provide short-term foster care (also known as respite care).

What is short-term foster care? Usually, it involves someone caring for a licensed foster family's children for a short period. Respite care gives families a much-needed reprieve.

How long is short-term foster care? It's a lot like babysitting, and the time can vary from a few hours to weeks. It depends on the situation.

Of course, unlike babysitting, you'll have to attend pre-service and in-service training, pass background checks, attend interviews, etc. Still, it's one of the best ways to start helping foster families in your area.

5. Begin Improving the Foster Care System

There are plenty of ways in which the foster care system can improve. However, it takes the support of people like you to make that change happen.

Start joining volunteer programs and push for change. Sign petitions that call for action and want to improve foster children's lives. Become an advocate and spread the word.

Consider starting a blog or getting involved in your foster care community. Volunteer to speak and educate others about the current situation and what everyone can do to make a difference.

6. Continue Your Education

Helping the cause means staying educated about the latest policies, developments, and news. You must stay updated and learn about the challenges kids and their families face in your area.

Get information from multiple sources to create a clearer picture of what's happening. Hear from former foster youth to learn how the system can be improved. After all, you should always hear their side of the story.

Read blogs, listen to podcasts, attend foster care events, etc. The more you know, the easier it becomes to push for change and make a difference.

If you want to return to school, you could become a caseworker. These individuals work hard to provide assistance and counseling.

7. Create Welcome Boxes

Some foster care organizations give kids welcome packages to help them feel more comfortable. Entering the foster care system can be an overwhelming and scary time. Some kids don't fully understand why they're there and need as much comfort as possible.

While it might seem like a small gesture, every act of kindness impacts these kids.

Connect with your local fostering agency to see if they would be interested in this. Welcome boxes include various items, such as:

• Personal hygiene supplies
• Activity books
• Toys or stuffed animals
• Clothes or pajamas
• Coloring books
• School supplies
• Blankets
• Card games

8. Mentor Foster Kids

Foster youth often need positive role models in their lives. By mentoring foster kids, you can be that person.

Mentors help foster youth maintain or improve their academic standing, learn new skills, and encourage personal growth. Having a loving mentor in their lives can stop many foster teens from turning to drugs or alcohol or prevent them from dropping out of school.

Find a mentor program and contact them to learn more about the opportunity.

More Ways to Help Foster Kids in Your Community

If you're interested in ways to help foster kids in your community, you can begin with these options. Whether you become a long-term foster care family or advocate for the children, every bit helps.

Are you ready to take that next step? Please fill out our online form to foster today or discover ways you can help.