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May is National Foster Care Month - join us in raising awareness and supporting children and families in the foster care system.
May 1 marks the start of National Foster Care Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the amazing foster parents and children who make up our foster care system. This month-long observance was first established in 1988 by President Reagan to bring attention to the needs of children in foster care and encourage more individuals and families to open their hearts and homes to them. It's a time to not only raise awareness about the important role of foster families, but also celebrate the resilience and strength of these children who have experienced adversity. Let's show our support for this cause and spread love and positivity during National Foster Care Month!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Foster Care</div><div class='timeline-text'>Organized foster care in the United States began in the mid-1800s with private and religious organizations providing care for children in need.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Social Security Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which laid the groundwork for the modern foster care system.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Foster Care Review Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Foster Care Review Act of California enacted regular reviews of children's cases, influencing changes in national policy towards child welfare.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adoption Assistance Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act encouraged family unification and laid foundations for current federal foster care financing provisions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Foster Care Month Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan officially established May as National Foster Care Month, starting a tradition of recognizing and supporting children and families in the foster care system.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adoption and Safe Families Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>This Act was signed into law, putting children’s safety and health as the paramount concern in foster care placements and decision making.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Become a foster parent</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the first step in making a difference by becoming a foster parent. Contact your local foster care agency to learn about the requirements and process.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a foster care organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time volunteering at a local foster care organization. You can help with events, mentor children, or assist with administrative tasks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a foster care charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support foster care organizations by making a donation. You can also organize a fundraiser or donate items such as clothing, toys, and school supplies.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to spread awareness about National Foster Care Month. Share statistics, personal stories, and ways to get involved.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write letters to foster children</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Brighten a foster child's day by writing them a letter or sending them a care package. Let them know that they are not alone and that they are loved and supported.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Increases awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Foster Care Month is an opportunity to educate the public about the needs of children and youth in foster care. By raising awareness, we can help dispel misinformation and promote understanding and support for this vulnerable population.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates foster families and their contributions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Foster parents selflessly open their hearts and homes to children in need. National Foster Care Month is a time to recognize and celebrate these amazing individuals and their invaluable contributions to society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supports positive change in the foster care system</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through advocacy efforts and community events, National Foster Care Month works towards improving the foster care system. By coming together as a community, we can push for policies that prioritize the well-being of children in foster care.</p></div></div>
National Foster Care Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024 National Foster Care Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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