History of Child Labor in America
It is impossible to discuss the history of child welfare in America without also examining the history of child labor reform. While the cause received support in the 1800s, it gained real momentum at the turn of the 20th century. In a time of significant social reform, many felt moved by the hardships of homeless, […]
National Child Awareness Month: What It Is and How to Help Kids in September
Key Takeaways What is National Child Awareness Month? Every September, backpacks come off closet shelves and school buses run their routes again. September is also the month the country sets aside to think seriously about kids, and about the organizations working on their behalf. National Child Awareness Month began as a local campaign in Orange […]
A Teen’s Guide to Aging Out of Foster Care
Aging out of foster care is the process of leaving state custody when a child reaches the maximum age allowed by their state’s foster care system. For these youth, the prospect of aging out can feel like getting dropped into the deep end. If that sounds familiar, know that you’re not the only one figuring […]
Thrive Iowa: Restore Hope’s Proven Model Expands to 11 Iowa Counties
The child welfare crisis in America was not born from a lack of resources, but rather the lack of communication between them. Children and families in crisis, community support organizations, and government agencies often work in silos, and as a result, kids and parents are often left without crucial services in their time of need. […]
Foster Care Stipends: What Foster Families Need to Know
When people consider foster parenting, one of the first questions they may ask is: What is a foster care stipend, and how does it work? Caring for a child involves real, everyday costs, and it’s normal to be concerned about the financial impacts of taking in a child. Families deserve clear information before they say […]
Best Books for Children in Foster Care: 4 Titles Worth Reading
Bookstores and libraries provide a large selection of titles for children in foster care, but it can be difficult to know which one to choose. To help narrow it down, we picked our favorites based on reader ratings, application, and overall quality. Each one also reflects a trauma-informed understanding of what a child in foster […]
The Colt McCoy Performance Camp: Using Sports to Give Back
On a Fort Worth field in mid-June, 250 kids run drills in the Texas heat. A young girl catches a pass and sprints toward the end zone. Nearby, a child in foster care clutches a team photo signed by an NFL quarterback, the kind of keepsake that turns a single event into a lasting memory. […]
The Best Apps for Youth in Foster Care
For young people in foster care, having the right support can make all the difference. Fortunately, organizations across the country have created apps specifically designed to help youth access the support they deserve. These apps offer everything from educational resources and independent living tools to career guidance, local services, and connections with others who understand […]
What Is a Foster Parent Bill of Rights?
Understanding your rights as a foster parent is one of the most important things you can do to advocate for yourself and the children in your care. Here, we look at the protections and purposes of a Foster Parent Bill of Rights. Key Takeaways What Is a Foster Parent Bill of Rights? Foster parenting is […]
What Works Best in Foster Care According to Experts
Children in foster care do better when they feel safe, known, and connected to people who won’t disappear. But the needs of children and families can get lost beneath acronyms, compliance checklists, and policy jargon far removed from everyday life. So, what works best in foster care? Research consistently points to five key practices: prioritizing […]
Daycare for Kids in Foster Care: Vouchers, Waitlists, and What to Ask For
Finding daycare for kids in foster care often becomes urgent very quickly. A new placement can happen with little warning, and caregivers need safe, reliable care right away so they can work, attend appointments, and help a child settle into a new routine. While help is available, the process can be confusing. Child care vouchers, […]
The Biggest Barriers to Family Reunification (And How You Can Help)
The primary goal of foster care is almost always to reunite children with their birth families. Many people mistakenly think it depends entirely on the biological parents’ willingness, but in reality, many factors affect the timing and success of reunification. Families frequently face practical, financial, and systemic challenges that delay a child’s return home, even […]
