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 […]
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 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 […]
Understanding Normalcy Rules in Foster Care: Travel, Sleepovers, Sports
For many children, growing up includes sleepovers, school trips, birthday parties, sports, church retreats, movie nights, summer camp, and visits with friends. For children in foster care, these normal everyday experiences can sometimes raise questions about safety and permission. Foster parents may wonder: Can my foster child go on a sleepover? Join a sports team? […]
Foster Family Recruitment and Retention: A Concierge Approach
Across the United States, there are more children in foster care than available foster homes. The challenge isn’t only foster family recruitment, but also foster family retention. Many begin the licensing process but never complete it, and other foster parents quit due to preventable barriers. That’s where the Every Child model and the new Every […]
How to Talk to Your Child About Foster Care and Adoption
When families decide to explore the exciting journey of foster care or adoption, it likely raises questions for biological kids in the home. Helping biological children understand the process builds a supportive and welcoming environment for the whole family. Yet many parents struggle to start this big conversation. If you’re nervous about how to talk to your child about […]
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Adverse childhood experiences, also known as ACEs, refer to traumatic events that occur during a child’s formative years. These range from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse to neglect, household dysfunction, or witnessing violence. Studies show that such experiences can lead to numerous negative outcomes, particularly when it comes to child development. What Are Adverse Childhood […]
