What Makes an Ideal Foster Family?
There are about 343,000 children in foster care in the United States, but only 186,000 licensed foster families. Put simply, the math is not in our favor. To end the child welfare crisis in America, we need more licensed foster families than children in foster care, ensuring that no child enters foster care without a […]
5 Inspiring People in Foster Care History
Our mission to end the child welfare crisis in our nation draws inspiration from early advocates in foster care history. By learning their stories, we better understand the issues we face today. Contrary to popular belief, child welfare services in the United States started with everyday individuals rather than the government. Men and women saw […]
Championing Mental Health in Child Welfare
Building a brighter future for kids depends on us recognizing the intricate relationship between mental health and child welfare. Children entering state care often carry emotional weights that require thoughtful support. May’s Mental Health Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to highlight mental health in child welfare. Young people’s lives are shaped by influences such […]
How to Recognize and Report Child Abuse
People who experience abuse may struggle with difficult emotions or circumstances that can make them afraid or unwilling to open up about their abuse. This is especially true of young children, which is why everyone needs to be able to recognize the signs of abuse. Your attentive and caring observation could change a child’s life […]
Celebrating Single Foster Mothers
Single foster mothers are some of the unsung heroes in the world of child welfare. Often navigating the complexities of parenthood alone, these remarkable women provide stability, love, and care to children in need. Here, we recognize their contributions and explore how to support their vital role in fostering. The Growing Need for Ideal Foster […]
Social Workers in Child Services: A Day in the Life
Social workers in child services cover a range of positions, but their main job involves protecting children in crisis. They’re often some of the first responders when a child needs help. When not responding to calls, these social workers take care of multiple ongoing cases, responsibilities, and appointments. They play an essential role in child […]
Extended Foster Care Explained
In some cases, young adults aging out of foster care qualify for extended time. Extended foster care allows a youth who would otherwise age out of the system to remain in state custody beyond age 18. Laws and requirements vary by state and change frequently, but almost every state provides a version of it. All […]
Prepare for a Home Study: What You Should Know
When looking to foster or adopt, families undergo a home study to determine their readiness to take in a child. A licensed social worker evaluates the home’s safety, runs background checks, and sometimes conducts interviews. Preparing for a home study can be an exciting yet daunting step for families looking to foster or adopt a […]
New Year’s Resolutions for Foster Families
As the New Year approaches, foster families have a unique opportunity to create New Year’s resolutions to support the children in their care. While resolutions sometimes feel like wishful thinking, they also offer a framework for meaningful, achievable goals that enrich the lives of foster families. We share seven manageable New Year’s resolutions for foster […]
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 […]
Get Involved in Foster Care During the Season of Giving
As the holiday season approaches, many people want to give back to their communities and support causes that matter. For those wishing to help vulnerable children, supporting foster care during the season of giving makes a powerful difference. The season’s spirit of generosity — particularly during Giving Tuesday — presents a unique opportunity to get […]
Foster Care and Youth Homelessness
November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the plight of homeless youth in the United States. This month-long observance highlights the urgent need to support and protect young people who face homelessness, many of whom aged out of foster care. The intersection of foster care and youth homelessness presents a […]
