Simple Ways to Support Foster Children and Families in Your Community

Did you know that 50% of foster families stop fostering within the first year due to lack of support? These children and their foster families need all the support they can get. The good news is, there are many ways you can help make a difference.

Here are five different categories with ideas to consider. I challenge you to pick at least one of these actions to do this month to support foster care in your community.

Support Foster Families

• Pray for foster families and children: Keep them in your thoughts and prayers for strength and guidance.

• Write encouraging notes: Send uplifting messages, especially on court days.

• Lend a listening ear: Sometimes just being there to listen makes a huge difference.

• Host a foster family night: Invite foster families over for a relaxing evening or fun activity.

• Help with household chores: Offer to assist with cleaning, yard work, or other household tasks.

• Provide school supplies: Help with back-to-school needs like backpacks, notebooks, and other essentials.

• Celebrate milestones: Recognize birthdays, graduations, or achievements with cards or small gifts.

• Offer childcare during training: Watch foster kids while parents attend mandatory training sessions.

• Create meal trains: Organize a rotating schedule of meal deliveries for new foster placements or busy seasons.

• Provide transportation for visits: Help transport kids to family visits or therapy sessions when foster parents are overwhelmed.

Volunteer Your Time

• Babysit: Give foster parents a much-needed break.

• Cook meals: Prepare food for busy foster families.

• Help with transportation: Assist with getting kids to school, appointments, or activities.

• Sponsor or organize events: Plan supply drives or fundraisers.

• Offer professional services: Provide counseling, tutoring, photography, or other skills to foster families.

• Tutor or mentor foster kids: Offer academic support or mentorship to help with schoolwork or life skills.

• Organize community drives: Collect items like school supplies, clothes, or toys for foster families.

• Volunteer at foster care agencies: Help with administrative work or events at local foster organizations.

• Offer pet care: Support foster families with pet care during transitions or busy times.

• Help with homework clubs: Start or volunteer at after-school programs specifically for foster kids.

• Assist with moving/transitions: Help foster families pack, move, or settle in when kids transition in or out of care.

• Offer tech support: Assist foster kids with tech needs like setting up laptops for school or navigating educational platforms.

Give Generously

• Gift cards: Provide for groceries, clothing, or household essentials.

• Contribute to campaigns: Support GoFundMe campaigns or Amazon wishlists for foster families.

• Sponsor extracurricular activities: Help fund sports, music lessons, or camps.

• Donate gently used items: Give clothes, toys, furniture, or school supplies.

• Provide subscription services: Donate subscriptions for educational platforms, streaming services, or learning tools.

• Sponsor camps or trips: Help cover costs for foster kids to attend summer camps, field trips, or vacations.

• Donate emergency care kits: Provide hygiene kits, first-night bags, or comfort items for kids entering care.

• Support foster parent training: Contribute funds to cover the cost of certification classes or workshops.

• Provide gas cards: Help foster families cover transportation costs for appointments, school, or visits.

• Donate luggage/travel bags: Many foster kids move with trash bags; providing proper luggage can make a big difference.

• Sponsor holidays: Help make holidays special by donating gifts or decorations for foster families.

Get Certified

• Train in trauma-informed care: Learn how to support children who have experienced trauma.

• Become a mandated reporter: Get trained to recognize and report signs of abuse or neglect, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in your community.

• Get CPR/First Aid certified: Prepare to help in emergency situations, which can be especially useful in fostering.

• Take cultural competency training: Equip yourself to support children from diverse backgrounds respectfully and effectively.

• Complete crisis intervention training: Learn skills to handle emergencies or challenging situations in a calm and helpful way.

• Become a mentor or big sibling: Look into mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters.

• Become a CASA volunteer: Serve as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate to represent foster children’s best interests.

• Provide respite care: Give foster parents temporary relief by caring for children short-term.

• Consider becoming a foster parent: Open your home to children in need.

Spread Awareness

• Use your voice: Raise awareness about foster care.

• Share resources: Post stories and facts on social media or within your community to inspire others to get involved.

• Host awareness events: Organize informational sessions, panel discussions, or community meetings.

• Partner with local businesses: Encourage businesses to support foster care through donations or events.

• Write to lawmakers: Advocate for policies that support foster care and foster families.

• Start a blog or podcast: Share foster care stories, resources, and interviews to reach a broader audience.

• Create educational materials: Design flyers, infographics, or handouts for local schools, churches, or community centers.

• Host donation drives at work or church: Mobilize your workplace or congregation to support foster families.

  
  

No matter how big or small, every action counts. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of foster children and families. So, which one will you choose this month? Let us know in the comments below how you are helping make a difference in your community!