- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AppreciationAwarenessFamily
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 1st Tuesday of May
- Holiday emoji:
- 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
National Foster Care Day recognizes the vital role of foster parents and the system supporting children in need every first Tuesday of May. This important day highlights the dedication of caregivers who provide temporary homes and stability. Learn how to support foster families, raise awareness, and advocate for vulnerable youth in your community.
Want to sponsor National Foster Care Day? Learn how
Expected National Foster Care Day Deals
While direct ‘deals’ are less common, National Foster Care Day inspires special recognition and support initiatives. Many organizations like the Foster Care Alumni of America and Together We Rise receive increased donations and corporate matching during May, which is National Foster Care Month. Businesses, such as local restaurants and retailers, often offer discounts or freebies to verified foster parents as a token of appreciation. Additionally, companies like Amazon and Target frequently run drives for essential items for children entering foster care. We will update this page with confirmed live appreciation programs as May approaches.
Platform Guide for National Foster Care Day
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalFosterCareDay. Share stories of foster families and resources for support.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalFosterCareDay. Post visuals that highlight the resilience of children and the dedication of foster parents.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalFosterCareDay. Share professional insights on advocacy and support within the foster care system.
National Foster Care Day Hero
MaryLee Allen
History of National Foster Care Day
National Foster Care Day is part of a larger celebration of the efforts of foster parents, community care workers, and the people of the foster care system. This celebration takes place throughout May.
National Foster Care Day and National Foster Care Month are maintained by various organizations, including the Children’s Bureau, National Foster Youth Institute, Child Welfare Information Gateway, Foster Club, and the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, among others.
National Foster Care Day is an important day that acknowledges the efforts of foster parents but also recognizes their limitations. Foster parents are honored for their contributions while being aware that they are no substitute for parents when it comes to children’s welfare. The role of foster parents, as part of the state’s support system for children without guardians, is highlighted to underline the fact that they are not destined to be long-term families for children in the foster care system.
However, a great number of children in the system are not eligible for adoption for various reasons. Many spend far too long in the foster care system — remaining there until they turn 18 and legally become adults. At that point, they are no longer wards of the state and frequently have no support systems as they transition into adulthood. It is these young adults who are also remembered on National Foster Care Day, and attempts are made to recognize their struggles and identify solutions to their problems.
National Foster Care Day timeline
Seeing the number of orphaned children living in New York, a man named Charles Loring Brace decides to take the children off the streets and send them to live with families.
Charles Brace’s sons take over their father’s work and continue to work through the Children’s Aid Society to help orphaned children.
Based on the work of the Children’s Aid Society, the modern system of foster care is defined and set in place through this federal act.
The government’s Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (A.F.C.A.R.S) takes responsibility for tracking the data on children in foster care, as well as their progress through the system.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Foster Care Day
Local businesses can show support for foster families and children in care. Restaurants might offer free meals or discounts to foster parents, while retailers could host donation drives for essential items like clothing and school supplies. Consider partnering with local foster care agencies to sponsor events or provide resources, using #NationalFosterCareDay to amplify your efforts and encourage community involvement.
National Foster Care Day FAQs
When is National Foster Care Day?
In 2027, this important day is observed on Tuesday, May 4, shining a light on the needs of children in foster care and the vital role of supportive families.
How many children are in foster care in the U.S.?
The number of children in foster care fluctuates, but recent data indicates over 350,000 youth are in the system, highlighting an ongoing need for support and resources.
What is the primary goal of foster care?
Foster care aims to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children, offering stability while working towards either family reunification or alternative permanent placements like adoption.
How can I become a foster parent?
The process to become a foster parent involves several steps, including orientation, application, a thorough home study, and specialized training, all designed to prepare caregivers for the unique challenges and rewards.
How to Observe National Foster Care Day
Spread information about fostering
Foster care isn’t for everyone, but people who may be considering fostering a child might be hesitating because of a lack of information. Spread the word among your friends and family about the foster care system and how they can be a part of it.
Support a foster parent
Work with your community leaders to help foster parents in your neighborhood. Pitch in with food, babysitting, or other services.
Consider becoming a foster parent
Foster parents provide incredible support to our childcare system, and it can be incredibly rewarding. So, if you have the time, means, and inclination, consider signing up to be a foster parent.
5 Interesting Facts About National Foster Care
There are thousands in foster care
As of 2016, about 420,000 children were part of the foster care system in the United States.
California has the highest numbers
California has nearly twice as many children in foster care as New York, with about 55,000 children registered in foster care in 2012.
Many foster children develop P.T.S.D.
Despite the best efforts of the caregivers, being in foster care is traumatic, and as many as 30% of children develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.).
Maryland was put under a consent decree
In 1984, it was ruled that Maryland hadn’t been meeting the needs of the children in foster care, so the state’s program was put under a consent decree in 1988.
The Act that facilitated adoptions
After the Adoption and Safe Families Act was passed, children became eligible for being adopted after spending a certain amount of time in foster care.
Why National Foster Care Day is Important
We love kids
National Foster Care Day is an important day to recognize the struggles of children in foster care, and the effort made by foster parents. It also draws attention to how we can improve the conditions foster children find themselves in.
We want to help the foster care system
We believe that foster parents and everyone else involved in the system are doing their best, and we want to help out. There are various ways of helping, such as offering funding or donations.
We want to spread awareness
A lot of people aren’t aware of the struggles of the foster care system. By sharing this information, we get one step closer to solving the problems at hand.
Social Media Tips for National Foster Care Day
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