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CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING FOSTER CARE THRIVE WITH US.

COVID-19 UPDATE: As our communities face the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are experiencing anxiety, fear, and new challenges – including kids. Although we are experiencing physical distancing, we can come together in new ways to support one another during this time of crisis. Kids and families experiencing foster care thrive with community support, which Fostering Family remains committed to building – especially now.

Here are a few ways you can offer support from a distance:

  • Call or video chat with family members, friends, and colleagues impacted by foster care. Kids and families experiencing foster care need support systems. Sometimes that simply means knowing there are people who care and who will just listen. (If you are in a position to help further, offer to send take-out!)
  • Use some of your additional screen time to listen to the stories of those impacted by foster care. When we take time to listen and understand, we create a more compassionate community and reduce stigma for kids and families.
  • Donate to an organization in your community supporting youth in foster care. With many fundraising events cancelled, your support is critical to continue services for kids and families during this challenging time. For in-kind donation needs, click the “Invest in Kids & Families” tab on our Take Action page.

What ideas do you have for offering support to families during this time? Email us at info@fosteringfamilywa.org.

BUILDING A MORE SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY.

Fostering Family is an initiative to support children and youth in foster care throughout the Puget Sound region by increasing community-wide support for kids and families. Becoming a foster parent or kinship caregiver isn’t the only way to make an impact. Whether it is by volunteering, donating, cooking a meal, or simply challenging our own perceptions, we all have a role. Find yours.

TAKE ACTION

4,505
kids are in foster care across the Puget Sound region.
60
of children who exit foster care are reunited with their families.
18
months is the median length of stay in out-of-home care.
47,000
kinship family members in Washington State are caring for one or more relative children.

START FOSTERING FAMILY TODAY.


You can play a role in fostering family by investing in kids and families, volunteering, spreading the word, or learning about the issue. It can be as simple as sharing one of our videos on social media. Join our community of people, businesses, and organizations stepping up for families.

Challenge what you think you know about people impacted by foster care.

READ STORIES

WATCH: MORE IS MORE WHEN IT COMES TO FAMILY

That is the philosophy embraced by Katie and Jonathan Biron. The Birons are determined to provide their two adopted children—including one who was adopted from foster care—connection with their biological families. Starting small and over time, both birth mothers have remained in their children’s lives, and the Birons have developed a close relationship with their youngest son’s biological family. “Our situation is unique,” Jonathan says. “But it doesn’t have to be.” Watch their story to expand your definition of family.