Foster Care Resources

The author of this page takes no responsibility for any content contained in incorporated links. All content was reviewed at time of inclusion herein but may change without our knowledge.

The Basics of Foster Care

https://www.qic-wd.org/blog/using-implementation-science-strengthen-child-welfare-workforce — Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) Data reports provide data on all children served by the foster care system

Comprehensive summarized report of data on foster care

YouTube video discussing the ins, outs, and often hidden parts of the foster care system

Learn some terms that are used a lot in the foster care system, and the basics of how the system works

Stories of Foster Care

https://selday.org/sponsors/ — Stories of foster journeys from foster youth & former foster youth

r/fosterit is a Reddit community for all involved with the foster care system

r/Ex_Foster is a Reddit community for former foster youth

https://www.reddit.com/r/Fosterparents/ — r/Fosterparents is a Reddit community for foster parents (former, current, or prospective)

List by Anahita on Goodreads: books about kids in the foster care system

YouTube video discussing the ins, outs, and often hidden parts of the foster care system

YouTube video showing how the foster care system can sometimes cause unnecessary harm

YouTube video showing how the foster care system can be positive and beneficial

https://www.audible.com/pd/Wish-Audiobook/B01L2S6FRK — Wish by Barbara O'Connor

https://www.audible.com/pd/Safe-Audiobook/B0CCW5XTHX — Safe by Mark Daley

https://www.audible.com/pd/All-My-Rage-Audiobook/0593502221 — All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

https://www.audible.com/pd/All-the-Impossible-Things-Audiobook/1250233720 — All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey

https://www.audible.com/pd/One-for-the-Murphys-Audiobook/B00VQTE7OY — One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullay Hunt

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-War-That-Saved-My-Life-Audiobook/B00QTT4MXM — The War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pictures-of-Hollis-Woods-by-Patricia-Reilly-Giff-2004-Reinforced-Prebound-/133489347837 — Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

Mental Health Resources

https://heypeers.com/terms_and_conditions — Join support groups & chatrooms to discuss a variety of topics (many groups focused on mental health)

https://imagining-mental-wellness-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org/organizations/nami-oc — Through NAMI, find support for mental illness, and/or become a supporter or advocate for those struggling

https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/blog/mental-health-america-data-shows-impacts-of-covid-19-on-mental-health/ — Join the MHA Inspire feed to find peer support on mental health topics

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuXX0p9UCV5NxP81v7sYQQ — If you are struggling, self-screen to assess potential diagnoses. If test for diagnosis of concern is not available, visit MHA. Use test results to advocate for formal care

https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/blog/mental-health-america-data-shows-impacts-of-covid-19-on-mental-health/ — If you are struggling, self-screen to assess potential diagnoses. If test for diagnosis of concern is not available, visit Clinical Partners. Use test results to advocate for formal care

https://adaa.org/ — Join online support groups to discuss topics about mental health

https://www.reddit.com/r/mentalhealth/ — r/mentalhealth is a community space for people to discuss topics of mental health

Resources for Foster Youth

Diverse resources centering experiences and issues facing foster youth

Connect with an advocate who will support YOU and YOUR needs

Connect to mentors and programs as you age out of foster care

Download the Foster Greatness app and connect to peers, mentors, resources, and opportunities

Apply for college scholarships specifically for foster youth/former foster youth

https://heypeers.com/terms_and_conditions — Join support groups & chatrooms to discuss a variety of topics (many groups focused on mental health)

As you age out of care, ask your social worker about the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative

https://www.usa.gov/state-social-services — See what social services are available to you in your state

https://www.tfaforms.com/4935215 — Join iFoster to connect with peers in the foster community & receive resources

Resources for Foster Parents

Connect your child(ren) to a CASA/GAL who will advocate for the *child's* needs as they go through the foster system

@fostertheteens creates content for foster parents, particularly those fostering teens

https://nfpaonline.org/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent/ — Join NFPA to network and access resources to support your child and yourself throughout the foster care journey

http://www.pngall.com/instagram-png/download/55721 — @foster.parenting creates content for foster parents with kids of all ages, focusing on trauma-informed parenting

Learn about common impacts of foster care on youth mental health and ways to support your foster child

https://www.youtube.com/user/nctsn2015 — Foster youth have often experienced trauma, visit this site to learn about what trauma can look like and how it may affect them

https://earlychildhoodimpact.org/about-us/ — Taking care of yourself is important too. This guided reflection is tailored to the experiences of foster parents

Resources for Biological Parents

http://fosteringsuccessmichigan.com/network/child-welfare-information-gateway — Foster care is confusing! Learn more about the ins and outs of the system

Ask for your child to have a CASA/GAL worker who will advocate for their needs throughout the case

http://fosteringsuccessmichigan.com/network/child-welfare-information-gateway — A guide to the process of reunifying with your children; also contains links to further resources

https://www.usa.gov/state-social-services — Get a list of all social services available in your state. Access these services to support both yourself and your children

Resources for Social Workers

Learn about Foster Youth to Independence Initiative and help foster youth access services

Help connect children to CASA/GAL workers who will advocate for their needs throughout the case

https://www.usa.gov/state-social-services — Get a list of all social services available in your state. Help all parties involved in the case access services as applicable

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kansascity.android — This short video provides perspective on what foster care is like from the child's point of view

Resources for Politicians

Data center including many statistics about foster care. Breakdowns by states and demographics

https://www.qic-wd.org/blog/using-implementation-science-strengthen-child-welfare-workforce — Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) Data reports provide data on all children served by the foster care system

YouTube video discussing the ins, outs, and often hidden parts of the foster care system

https://mothersonthefrontline.org/foster-care-industrial-complex/ — This bibliography contains sources on the current foster care system and suggestions for changes

https://www.usa.gov/state-social-services — Get a list of all social services available in your state to understand what services you may or may not be supporting

C. Hawk 2024