National Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month is observed every May in the United States to honor foster families, social workers, advocates, and organizations that support children and youth in foster care. Established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, it aims to raise awareness of foster care needs, celebrate foster parents, and promote systemic changes for better outcomes.
Quick Facts
- When is it? Every May.
- Tagged as: Foster Care Awareness, Youth Advocacy.
- What’s the hashtag? #FosterCareMonth.
- When was it founded? 1988.
- Who founded it? President Ronald Reagan.
History
National Foster Care Month was initiated by the National Foster Parent Association to highlight the challenges faced by foster children and families. In 1988, President Reagan officially proclaimed May as National Foster Care Month. Since then, it has evolved to focus on themes like family preservation, kinship care, and community collaboration to ensure children in foster care thrive.
Timeline
- 1988: President Reagan designates May as National Foster Care Month.
- 1990s: Focus shifts to recruiting and training culturally competent foster families.
- 2000s: Emphasis on kinship care and reducing group home placements.
- 2010s: Advocacy for extending services to youth aging out of foster care.
- 2020s: Campaigns highlight mental health support and systemic improvements.
National Foster Care Month Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 1 – May 31 | Thursday-Saturday |
| 2026 | May 1 – May 31 | Friday-Sunday |
| 2027 | May 1 – May 31 | Saturday-Monday |
| 2028 | May 1 – May 31 | Monday-Wednesday |
| 2029 | May 1 – May 31 | Tuesday-Thursday |
| 2030 | May 1 – May 31 | Wednesday-Friday |
Observed: National Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month is observed with events and initiatives across the U.S., including workshops, community drives, and campaigns to recruit foster families. Advocates emphasize the importance of kinship care and family reunification whenever possible while addressing systemic challenges in child welfare.
The month also serves as a platform for sharing personal stories from foster youth and families, inspiring others to get involved in fostering or supporting child welfare programs.
Organizations like CASA/GAL play a key role during this month by advocating for stable placements and ensuring children’s voices are heard in legal proceedings.
Fun Facts About National Foster Care Month
- Over 437,000 children are in foster care on any given day in the U.S.
- Around 20,000 youth age out of the system annually without permanent families.
- Children in foster care are twice as likely to experience mental health issues compared to their peers.
Quiz
- What year was National Foster Care Month established?
- How many children are in foster care daily in the U.S.?
- What percentage of foster youth earn college degrees?
- Which organization advocates for children’s voices in court?
- What is the hashtag for National Foster Care Month?
(Answers:)
- 1988; 2. Approximately 437,000; 3. About 3%; 4. CASA/GAL; 5. #FosterCareMonth.
FAQs
What is National Foster Care Month? It’s a month-long observance aimed at raising awareness about foster care needs and celebrating those involved in child welfare efforts.
Why is kinship care important? Kinship placements help maintain family connections and provide stability for children removed from their homes.
How can I support foster youth during this month? You can volunteer with organizations like CASA/GAL or donate to child welfare charities.
What challenges do foster children face? They often experience trauma, instability, mental health issues, and academic disruptions.
Can I become a foster parent? Yes! Contact local child welfare agencies for guidance on training and certification.
Importance of National Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month shines a light on the resilience of children in foster care while advocating for systemic improvements to ensure their well-being. It underscores the need for stable homes and supportive communities that nurture these vulnerable youth.
The observance also highlights the contributions of selfless individuals—foster parents, social workers, and volunteers—who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of these children.
Ultimately, this month inspires collective action toward creating a compassionate child welfare system where every child can thrive.
Related
- CASA/GAL Volunteer Programs
- Child Welfare Information Gateway Resources
- Kinship Care Advocacy Groups
