National Foster Care Month: 2020
May is National Foster Care Month, a time to honor the foster parents, mentors, child welfare professionals, family members, volunteers, and countless other incredible individuals who work tirelessly to ensure a bright future for the children and youth in foster care.
The 2020 theme chosen by the Children's Bureau and the Child Welfare Information Gateway is Foster Care as a Support to Families, Not a Substitute for Parents. According to Jerry Milner, Associate Commissioner with Children's Bureau, this theme is important, as it "highlights the prime opportunity it creates when community resources and partnerships are maximized to increase child and family well-being and the likelihood of successful reunification."
In support of National Foster Care Month, resources are available which help to emphasize the importance of locating, training, and supporting kinship connections, as well as sharing some best practices.
Wondering how you can help celebrate National Foster Care Month? Read on to discover how you can boost awareness can impact change in your community!
- Check out the Children's Bureau website, which offers a wealth of valuable information and resources for parents, youth, foster parents and caregivers, communities, and child welfare professionals
- Wear a blue ribbon pin to show your support of children in foster care
- Become a mentor or volunteer! Even a few hours a month can have a huge impact
- Donate backpacks or other school supplies to your local EA Family Services office
- Consider becoming a court appointed special advocate for children (CASA)
- Talk to your friends and family about foster care, and why it's an important cause. Sharing the ways in which you're involved with help motivate others to do the same