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5 Ways To Help Youth in Foster Care (Without Being a Foster Parent)

how to help children in foster care

It’s a life-changing decision to become a foster parent, providing a safe place and 24/7 support for children who have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges. It takes an enormous amount of patience and commitment, and not everyone is called to be a foster parent. Fostering is just one of many ways to help children in crisis, so here are five other ways you can help children in foster care:

1. Mentor a Teen 

how to help children in foster careChildren in foster care have likely experienced abuse, neglect, or some type of family trauma. Once they age out of the foster care system, these youth are also at a higher risk for homelessness, lack of education, unemployment, lack of access to healthcare, problems with law enforcement, and a myriad of behavioral and social issues. Each year, as many as 20,000 youth age out of foster care without a permanent family or home. Only 4% attend college and some end up in jail. You can help change these statistics by supporting and encouraging a young adult as they age out of foster care. 

According to the MENTOR National, a nationwide initiative to increase mentoring of young people, young people with mentors are:

  • 55% less likely than their peers to skip school
  • 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs
  • 27% less likely to start drinking
  • 81% more likely to participate in extracurricular activities or sports
  • 130% more likely to hold leadership positions

Mentors can provide needed support to teenage youth and help them learn daily living and vocational skills, budgeting, goal setting, time management, problem-solving and organizational skills. Most importantly, mentors give young people in the foster care system a caring adult they can look up to and share their problems with.

2. Provide Respite Care

Instead of taking a child into your home full-time, respite care providers give foster parents a short-term break, often for one night or a weekend. It’s an opportunity for you to do something similar to foster parenting for a short period of time and it’s a great way to see if foster parenting is right for you. Respite care providers bolster the foster care system by:

  • Allowing foster parents a break, helping them to re-energize and avoid burnout
  • Increasing likelihood for undisrupted placements
  • Decreasing chances for neglect or abuse
  • Helping children build good relationships with other caring adults and families

Respite care gives foster parents temporary relief from caregiving, allowing them to recharge and spend time with their families. Providing respite care requires training and licensing. If you live in West Virginia, contact us to learn more and start your journey toward providing respite care today.

3. Donate Supplies

help children in foster careMany children in foster care have very few belongings. We’re always gathering clothing, personal hygiene items, toys, school supplies, and other items that children and teens might not otherwise have.

One specific donation that can greatly impact a child is the donation of a suitcase, duffel bag or backpack. While many of these kids do not have many belongings to begin with, no child should have to pack up all of their things into a trash bag. As they move to a new home or move to a different location, having a bag of their own gives them a more dignified way to transport anything they own.

At KVC West Virginia, our big collection drive happens in the fall and winter, when we begin our Holiday Heroes program. If you would like to participate, contact your nearest KVC West Virginia office to learn more or sign up here.

4. Raise Funds or Make a Donation

For over 50 years, KVC has provided heart-centered service to children and families in crisis. We serve every family that comes to us. As such, we are always fundraising and accepting monetary donations in order to best serve these families. At KVC, we envision a world in which every child is safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community. You can help make that vision a reality and support youth in foster care by raising money or making a donation. Below are a few ways you can do this…but the options are endless!

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising on Facebook

The next time you celebrate a personal milestone like a birthday, why not raise funds to help children in foster care in lieu of receiving gifts? The fundraising tools on Facebook are really simple and straightforward – you’ll be raising funds with just a few clicks. Find the step-by-step instructions here. When asked to select your nonprofit, simply select KVC Health Systems. Facebook will automatically send the funds raised to KVC.

Become a Monthly Donor

Every day, across the United States, there are over 400,000 children involved in foster care. Every day these children require love, support and an opportunity to overcome obstacles and heal from trauma. You can support this healing by becoming an Everyday Hero. Our Everyday Heroes program is a monthly giving program for supporters who would like to consistently support the needs of our foster families—needs which can range from medical expenses to education to everyday needs such as a soccer uniform, a clarinet or a prom dress. You can learn more and sign up here.

Make a Donation to KVC Today

If you’re looking for a way to make an immediate impact, make a donation to KVC today by visiting our secure donation page here. You can provide any amount you wish…and every dollar makes a difference to youth currently experiencing foster care.

5. Educate and Advocate

help children in foster careA great way to help a child in foster care is to learn more about the foster care process and to keep informed on challenges vulnerable families are facing in your community. Educating yourself and sharing with those in your circle spreads awareness and helps create a ripple effect of support for everyone affected. You can follow us on social media or subscribe to our blog to find educational information, along with inspiring stories of families and children who overcome immense challenges and go on to thrive.

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You can make a difference and help children in foster care.

This list of ways you can offer your time and resources to children and families in need is not exhaustive. If you have it in your heart to serve, join our team or contact your nearest KVC office to learn more about helping children and families in crisis.

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