How Can You Help A Foster Family?

Written by: Katarina

Edited by: Olivia

What is a Foster Family?

A foster family is formed when a child is placed into a group or private home of a state-certified caregiver who is referred to as a “foster parent.” Alternatively, a foster family can be a family member approved to care for the child by the state. Both adopting a child and becoming a foster parent are difficult processes that consist of time and financial stability along with the responsibilities that come with caring for a child. As foster care reform advocates, we understand that not everyone has the ability to foster or adopt so here are a few ways you can proactively help a foster family in your community.

Ways You Can Help!

Life is all about enjoying and appreciating the little things. Even if you think you are unable to help a foster family, remember that what you give doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. All and small gestures count!

Create a meal train for each placement in the foster family.

Organizing a meal train for children in foster care is a beneficial, hands-on action of giving back to your community. If you love cooking nutritional and tasty meals, this is perfect for you! Arranging a meal train is a way to organize a series of meals that are cooked and delivered to someone in need, and is usually assembled on a weekly basis.

If you’re interested in creating a meal train, you can start by getting connected with a foster family in your community! When you first start your meal train, you can schedule 4 weeks of meals, with 3 meals per week. Remember that even just one meal a week can make a difference and is appreciated!

Gift a ticket or day pass.

Foster families and kids function just like any family does and that includes enjoying activities offered in their area. Gift them a day pass to a nearby zoo, local museum, or water park! You can also expand on this idea depending on your location by offering a membership to the city pool or buying them a movie ticket. This is a fun and thoughtful way to brighten up a child’s day and create memories that can last a lifetime!

Volunteer your time.

Volunteering your time is a great way to help out a family in many ways. If you are a certified babysitter with experience, you can offer your services and coordinate a time when you are available to help out. You can also offer your help by letting them know that you are able to help with day-to-day errands. This can include helping pick up groceries and other household tasks.

Donate.

You can donate by giving the foster family clothes, toys, diapers, bedroom furniture, hygienic products, and more. Many foster children arrive at the families’ homes without any personal possessions or hygiene products, a simple donation can change this for a foster child. You can donate your child’s old clothes and toys that are in good condition to someone that may need it. Another example is next time your grocery shopping, you can pick up extra soap or hair products if your circumstances allow. Donating is such an impactful way of making a difference for the family and it can be at little to no cost!

Again, helping out in what seems like the smallest ways, can make a huge difference for a family! Choose what works best for you and tell a friend.

References:

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/foster-care/fam-foster/

https://www.careportal.org/about-us/ 

https://www.buckner.org/fostercareadoptionneeds/