Advocating for Your Foster Child

Understanding the Need: Why Advocacy Matters
Every day, children enter the foster care system due to challenging circumstances. Imagine being ripped away from the only home you’ve ever known. The most recent report from 2021 shows that an estimated 606,031 children passed through the US foster care system over the course of one year. The estimated number of children living in the foster care system across the US. That’s larger than the population of many cities. 57%: The percentage of children who successfully reunify with their parents within three years of entering foster care. 16% of foster children who are ultimately adopted by non-family members, highlighting the need for more loving forever homes. While a hopeful statistic, it also means a significant number don’t return to their homes within that time frame.

These kids, through no fault of their own, are facing huge changes. It can be scary. They need someone to fight for their needs, their education, their stability. That’s where advocacy comes in. – it’s about stepping up and making sure their voices are heard, and their needs are met.

Facing the Challenges Head-On

The sad truth is this: kids in the system are much more likely to struggle, both academically and socially, than their peers. Picture this – constant moves, placement instability, and all while carrying the heavy weight of an uncertain future. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that these challenges often translate to struggles in school and in their social lives.

How YOU Can Be an Advocate for Foster Children
Becoming an advocate isn’t just for lawyers and social workers—anyone can make a difference. Here’s how:

Become a Foster Parent: Open Your Heart and Home
It’s a big commitment, but think about it – providing a stable, nurturing home is one of the most impactful ways to advocate for foster children directly. Those interested can learn more through our Become a Foster Parent form. Filling it out on our website will filter you to our closest office and a recruiter will reach out. While it might not be the right path for everyone, foster parenting offers a profound way to step up and make a tangible difference.

Support Foster Families: Every Bit of Help Counts
Fostering can be isolating and demanding. Even something as simple as offering to babysit, donating clothes, or being a listening ear can provide crucial support. And more support for foster families translates to better care for the kids – it’s a win-win. 

“Fostering can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming. Something as simple as offering to babysit, donating clothes, sending a meal, or being a listening ear can provide crucial support. Just like Christ we are called to strengthen and help one another because it truly takes a village. And more support for the families translates to better care for our kiddos— it’s a win-win.”

– Adrienne Jones, VA Program Director

Making a Difference with What You Have
The Bair Foundation is always looking for a way to interact with their community. Ways you can do this are getting involved with church engagement events. Our offices and local churches organize donation drives and events to help to find the means to give these kids normalcy. Lending a hand doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment, following our social media pages, blogs like these, or even donating can have a meaningful impact. 

Educate Yourself and Others: Spreading Awareness
Read and share stories like those featured on the Bair Foundation’s website or on the Adopt Us Kids website to broaden understanding. Knowledge is power. Learn about the challenges and rewards and use your voice to bust myths about foster care. Sometimes just starting a conversation can be a powerful form of advocacy. 

What Does Advocating for Children Mean?
Advocating for children generally involves promoting and safeguarding their rights and well-being in various aspects of their lives. Speaking up for the best interests of a child, especially when they can’t effectively advocate for themselves.

How do you Build Trust with a Foster Child?
Be consistent, keep promises, and create a safe space for open communication.

How do you Help an Angry Foster Child?
The first thing you should know is, you don’t have to face it alone. When you go with Bair, you get a partner in parenting. Isabella Flores said, “We have 24/7 on-call services, respite care, additional training to help the parent feel more confident with the care they are providing for a child in their home.” You are each child’s agent-of-change, remember that anger often stems from fear or sadness. Providing validation and empathy for their big emotions, shows them you’re there for them.

With support from your Bair Treatment Team, you’ll be able to assess your specific placement needs. For example, if your child has ADHD, and you’re unfamiliar with the condition, we offer in-depth training to help you understand what to expect and how to best support your child. Additionally, we provide hands-on case management services on a weekly basis. As a foster parent, you’ll work closely with The Bair Foundation staff to ensure we are offering the best possible support for you and your family.

Remember, even small actions can ripple out and create big waves. Advocacy comes in all shapes and sizes. Advocating for foster children doesn’t require a cape and a catchphrase, you only need a kind heart, a bit of time, and a commitment to making a difference.