How You Can Help Foster Children and Families

We All Play a Role in Caring for Foster Care Youth.

You don't need to be a foster parent to build a better future for foster children in the United States. You don't have to be a social worker, foster care contact, or part of any state child welfare agency to support the foster care system. You don't have to wait for National Foster Care Awareness Month to start helping children and families.

Every adult can play a role in helping foster kids. Learn about the many opportunities to support foster children. Then, we'll help you take the first step to make a difference in a child's life.

Become a Foster Parent

Prospective foster parents are adults aged 18 or older who want to nurture and provide a safe home for foster youth. Being a foster parent is among the most impactful ways to help foster children, especially teenagers and sibling groups. Foster youth who have experienced child abuse or neglect or have mental health challenges fare better in foster homes than in group homes.

For information about how to become a foster parent, contact a foster or adoption agency near you. You can attend foster parent orientation without cost or obligation. There, you'll learn more about becoming a foster parent and caring for children in foster care.

Mentor or Volunteer

If you don't want to be a foster parent, mentoring or volunteering may be right for you. Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers advocate for a foster child's best interests.

To become part of CASA, you will need to complete the required hours of specialized and pre-service training. CASA volunteers spend time with foster children and youth to understand their situation, interests, and goals. They become the voice of the child in court sessions and other meetings.

Mentoring is a great way to help foster youth and teenagers who will age out of foster care. Mentors help kids develop social skills that will serve them as they transition into adulthood. They can also help with specific life skills, like financial literacy.

Provide Respite Care

Licensed foster providers and sometimes other trusted adults offer respite care. Foster families rely on Respite Care providers to give them short breaks from day-to-day parenting responsibilities. Foster parents may need this time away to rest and recharge, for travel, or family emergencies.

Foster and adoptive parents and family members need access to Respite Care. Sometimes, foster parents don't have an agency that provides it or simply don't ask or accept help from others.

Respite providers make a huge difference for foster families. After a respite night or weekend, foster parents report feeling better equipped to nurture their foster kids. Likewise, foster children often liken respite care to vacation, time away with someone they enjoy.

Assist a Foster Family

Every parent could use a helping hand with the full-time job of childcare. Foster parenting takes a lot of time and energy. Share the load with a foster parent:

• Help schedule appointments
• Organize playdates or events
• Provide play space for kids while parents relax
• Be a 'mother's helper' or take the kids outside to play
• Prepare a meal at their house or yours
• Help with cleaning or household chores
• Run errands

Stay connected with a foster family via text, email, or phone to say they're in your thoughts. Ask if you can support them or tell them you're cheering them on. Regular contact makes foster children and families feel supported and loved.

Give Financial Support

Another way to support foster families is by donating to non-profits with a mission to support foster youth. Look for an organization that has a good reputation and works in an area that is meaningful to you. Your monetary support can go a long way toward helping foster kids have better outcomes and a brighter future.

Get involved before National Foster Care Month comes again!

Start Today

The tight-knit foster care community welcomes adults and families who want to join. Families always need help because there are always foster kids seeking temporary care or permanency options.

Check your state foster care information websites for more volunteer and support opportunities. If foster parenting might be right for you, learn more by contacting a child-placing agency in your state. A foster child advocate will take you through every step and tell you how you can make a difference for a child in need.

Contact a Foster or Adoption Agency Near Me