National Foster Care Day

A loving family, both humans and animals, sitting on a cozy sofa, surrounded by toys, with warm smiles and soft cuddles.. — National foster care day illustration

Welcome to National Foster Care Day! This is a paw-some day dedicated to celebrating all the wonderful families who have opened their hearts and homes to provide love and support for children in need. Whether it's welcoming a furry friend into your home or fostering a child, this day is all about the power of love and compassion. So grab a cup of coffee (or a bowl of kibble) and let's dive into the heartwarming world of foster care!

When is Foster Care Day?

It's national foster care day on the 7th May.

The Heartwarming History of National Foster Care Day

National Foster Care Day is a relatively new addition to the list of national observances. This pawsitively fantastic day was first celebrated on May 7, 2019. It was created to raise awareness about the importance of foster care and recognize the incredible efforts of foster families around the country.

Foster care provides a temporary and safe haven for children and animals who are unable to live with their biological parents or owners. It gives them a loving environment to grow, heal, and thrive. National Foster Care Day aims to shed light on the challenges faced by foster children and animals, as well as the immense love and dedication shown by their foster families.

The Power of Love and Compassion

Fostering is an amazing act of love and compassion. It gives individuals and families the opportunity to make a positive impact on a vulnerable life. Foster families provide stability, support, and a nurturing environment for those who need it most. Whether it's providing a temporary home for a child while their parents work through challenging times, or caring for abandoned animals until they find their forever home, foster care truly makes a difference.

On National Foster Care Day, people across the country come together to honor and appreciate the selfless individuals who open their hearts and homes to those in need. It's a day filled with gratitude and recognition for the dedication of foster families, as well as a reminder of the ongoing need for loving and supportive environments for children and animals alike.

Did You Know?

Did you know that foster care extends beyond humans? Many animal shelters rely on foster families to provide temporary care for pets in need. From kittens and puppies to rabbits and birds, foster families play a vital role in giving animals a second chance at finding forever homes. So, if you've ever considered fostering a furry friend, today is the paw-fect day to get started!

History behind the term 'Foster Care'

1873

Emergence of Orphan Trains

In 1873, the term 'foster care' was not yet in widespread use, but the concept of caring for orphaned children outside of traditional families began to emerge. A significant development during this time was the start of the Orphan Trains. The Orphan Trains were a series of supervised migrations in the United States, where orphaned or abandoned children from crowded cities were transported to rural areas in need of labor. This early form of foster care aimed to provide these children with opportunities for a better life.

1917

Creation of the Children's Aid Society

In 1917, the Children's Aid Society was established, playing a pivotal role in shaping the concept of modern foster care. The society focused on finding suitable temporary homes for orphaned children and abandoned babies. By providing services such as placement, supervision, and support, the Children's Aid Society pioneered the idea of a structured system to address the needs of children in vulnerable situations. This marked the beginning of a more organized and purposeful approach to foster care.

1935

Federal Financial Support for Foster Care

In 1935, a significant milestone was reached when the United States federal government began offering financial aid to states for foster care services. This support was provided through the Social Security Act, leading to increased resources and improvements in the quality of care provided to children in foster homes. The introduction of federal funding helped expand the availability of foster care programs and elevated the importance of child welfare in the public policy agenda.

1961

Establishment of the Foster Care Review Board

In 1961, the Foster Care Review Board was established in the state of California, with the aim of monitoring and advocating for the well-being of children in foster care. This pioneering initiative recognized the need for oversight and accountability within the system. By involving independent individuals in reviewing and challenging placement decisions, the board contributed to improving the overall quality of care and ensuring the best interests of the children were prioritized.

1980

Promotion of Family Reunification and Permanency

Throughout the 1980s, there was a growing shift in focus towards family reunification and permanency for children in foster care. The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 established guidelines that required agencies to make reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify families whenever possible. This legislative change reflected a broader recognition that maintaining strong family connections is essential for the well-being and healthy development of children in foster care.

1997

Implementation of the Adoption and Safe Families Act

In 1997, the Adoption and Safe Families Act was enacted to address concerns about the lengthy stays of children in foster care without achieving permanent placement. This act aimed to expedite the adoption process for children who were unable to reunite with their birth families. It also enhanced the safety of children by establishing stricter timelines for permanency planning and requiring regular reviews of the child's well-being. The act further emphasized the importance of providing stable and secure living environments for children in foster care.