In the United States, there are only 186,000 foster families available for the 343,000 children in foster care. America urgently needs to recruit and retain ideal foster families, but challenges stall those efforts. In many cases, foster families feel isolated and unable to seek support when they need it. However, with locations in nearly every town in the USA, churches are perfectly positioned to help foster families. Wraparound care supports families by meeting their needs through a group of volunteers, experts, and community services. These groups alleviate a foster family’s stress in numerous ways: organizing meal trains, assisting with transportation, offering childcare, helping with household chores, and so on. Church wraparound care bolsters local foster families and empowers them to provide safe and loving homes for children in crisis.
In our home state of Tennessee, we helped the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative launch Every Child TN in August 2024. With data compiled by our partner, The Contingent, Every Child TN recruits ideal foster families and retains them by engaging local churches to offer support. No matter how big or small, any church group can make a difference. At Lifepoint Church, one Bible study group came together in a powerful way to support a foster family in their community.
Lifepoint Church’s Wraparound Care
A local foster family received dedicated, selfless assistance from a small group at Lifepoint Church. The family, who already supported three biological children, boldly volunteered to foster five siblings. With this big change, they expressed a need for help as they navigated the challenges of expanding their household to eight children.
Recognizing the unique needs of this family, an entire small group from Lifepoint Church committed to providing consistent and comprehensive WRAP support. WRAP stands for Words of Encouragement, Respite Care, Acts of Service, and Prayer. The model—created by Tennessee Kids Belong and implemented in tandem with Every Child TN—ensures foster families navigate their caregiving journey with community rather than isolation. This small group embraced the WRAP model wholeheartedly, starting with meeting the family’s immediate needs.
WRAP in Action
For six weeks, WRAP volunteers watched the family’s two youngest biological children every Tuesday evening while the parents attended their TN-KEY classes, a training course required for foster care licensure. This allowed the parents to fully focus on their training without the added stress or cost of childcare. This simple gesture lifted a significant burden for these parents who balanced work, classes, and the demands of a large household. With this relief, they could prepare well for the foster children soon joining their home.
The group’s commitment didn’t stop there. Once the family officially welcomed the five siblings in foster care, the WRAP team continued to provide ongoing support tailored to the family’s needs, and it still does! This includes regular meal deliveries, help with lawn care, childcare, prayer, and responding to additional requests for help as they arise. By organizing around the specific needs of the family, the WRAP team gives both practical and meaningful support.
The Need for More Churches with Wraparound Care
Wraparound support makes a lasting impact for both parents and children. It allows foster families to focus on caring for their kids, knowing they have a reliable, supportive community behind them. It also reinforces the reality that foster care doesn’t have to be done in isolation. When communities step in to share the load, it becomes a sustainable and life-giving experience for everyone involved. Stories like this from Lifepoint Church reveal the possibilities when everyday people mobilize to serve and encourage foster families. Churches with wraparound support create stability for children and sustainability for the families who open their homes.
Did you know your church can get involved in wraparound care right away? If you’re a Tennessee church, sign up to be a part of the Every Child TN program. It’s free and easy! Learn more now by clicking the button below.
