One of the main questions I have been asked many times over when discussing foster care is “how can we help.” I hope to at least start to answer that question today.
1. The first and largest need is actual foster homes. The need is so great in every county and every state in this country. If you have the slightest bit of interest or want more information, please ask. Even if you are not in my state I will point you in the right direction.
Foster care is not for everyone. I understand that. Sometimes people just aren’t in the right stage of life. While I encourage everyone to consider being foster parents I do know that it is not the life for everyone. However, I do believe everyone can be involved in foster care.
2. Be a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA.) I am not the most educated on what a CASA does or their exact role. We currently work with one and it has been a very positive experience. This person follows the child throughout the case and is able to give the judge another picture of the child’s life. This person advocates and speak for the child. Again, if this is something you could do please ask and I will point you in the right direction. At the bottom of this page, I will post a site with some general information from a national source.
3. Provide respite care. This is a HUGE need in the foster community as well. Basically, respite care is extended daycare for the foster family. When we travel out of state, a foster child may not be able to come with you. We have done respite for many children. Sometimes they stayed one night and other times it was about a week. Respite is always so hard to find, but is very helpful.
4. Support foster FAMILIES. This may look different for every foster family. Just like normal families we all function differently. Some of the needs may look differently depending on the age the family takes or genders could change the needs. The best bet is to ask what tangible things the family needs.
Here are some examples of tangible items that our family has found ourselves needing at times. Pajamas in different sizes, gender neutral bed sheets and pillowcases, pillows, wipes, diapers in different sizes, kids toothbrushes, blankets of different sizes, duffel bags. These are things we have needed more often than not in a pinch.
Another way to support foster families is to offer to watch the kids even for as little as an hour or two. Due to the nature of trauma, sometimes night is hard for kids in care. I sleep much less than I used to. I have had people come to my home and watch my kids while I shower and take a nap. That helped me charge my batteries so I can love on the kiddos well.
Just like any married couple, it is nice to get out just for an hour or two with your spouse kid free. Offering to watch kids for a short time is super helpful. Getting a few hours every once in awhile without kids is good for us to focus on our marriage and enjoy each other for a little bit.
When we first get new kids, life can get really hectic. Providing a meal or two is super helpful. I have really good friends that have done this for us and it was a huge stress lifted those first few days. It is a simple act that goes a really long way.
5. This is perhaps the easiest way to support foster care. There are many businesses that financially support foster care organizations. I have done some research and the following national corporations support foster care efforts around the nation.
Mattress Firm.
Wendy’s.
Target
FedEx
Southwest Airlines
Hershey’s
Alliant
Otis Spunkmeyer
Those are just a few companies that financially give to local and national foster care organizations around our country. I am sure there are many more. Using these companies is a way to support foster care even if it is just in a simple way.
Those are my top 5 ways to support foster care. There are many more ways to help. There are so many kids in care in this country. A staggering and shocking amount. This is not someone else’s problem. This is an issue that affects all of us. Kids in care are normal kids. They are tomorrow’s lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and nurse’s. We need to do better in supporting them.
koko
Casa Information- https://casaforchildren.org/
