National Foster Care Day

National Foster Care Day, observed annually on the first Tuesday in May, was established to honor the nearly 400,000 children in foster care across the United States and the families and professionals who care for them. The day emerged from a broader movement to improve child welfare systems and shift away from institutionalization toward family-based care.

The Foundational Catalyst

The modern foster care system in the United States traces its roots to the Orphan Train movement (1853–1929), where tens of thousands of homeless children from East Coast cities were sent by train to be placed with families in the Midwest. While well-intentioned, this system lacked oversight and led to exploitation. In the early 20th century, progressive reformers like Charles Loring Brace and later Jane Addams advocated for more structured child welfare policies. The first federal child welfare law, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 1974, provided funding for prevention and intervention. However, it was not until the late 1990s that a dedicated day for foster care was proposed.

The Legislative/Official Adoption

In 2000, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 138, designating the first Tuesday in May as National Foster Care Day. This resolution was championed by Senator John Chafee (R-RI) and supported by the National Foster Care Association (now part of the Child Welfare League of America). The goal was to bring national attention to the needs of foster children and encourage more Americans to become foster parents or mentors. Since then, the day has been part of National Foster Care Month, which was first proclaimed by President George W. Bush in 2001.

Modern Global Legacy

While National Foster Care Day is primarily a U.S. observance, its spirit has inspired similar days worldwide. For example, Foster Care Fortnight in the United Kingdom takes place in May, and National Foster Care Week is observed in Australia in September. The global child welfare community has increasingly emphasized family reunification, kinship care, and adoption from foster care as best practices.

National Foster Care Day offers numerous opportunities for individuals, schools, businesses, and communities to show support for foster children and families. Below are actionable strategies categorized by audience.

For Individuals

1. Educate yourself: Read books or watch documentaries about the foster care experience to understand the challenges and joys.
2. Volunteer: Offer your time to local foster care agencies as a tutor, mentor, or respite care provider.
3. Donate: Contribute money, clothing, school supplies, or gift cards to organizations like Foster Care to Success or the National Foster Parent Association.
4. Use social media: Share posts using hashtags like #FosterCareDay, #NationalFosterCareDay, and #FosterCareMonth to raise awareness.

For Schools and Universities

• Host an assembly: Invite former foster youth or social workers to speak about the system and how peers can help.
• Create a donation drive: Collect items for foster children, such as duffel bags (so kids don't use trash bags) or comfort items.
• Implement a mentoring program: Partner with local agencies to connect college students with older foster youth preparing for independence.

For Businesses and Organizations

1. Sponsor a foster family event: Fund a day of fun at a local amusement park or museum.
2. Provide professional services pro bono: Offer free legal, counseling, or financial planning services to foster families.
3. Advertise foster parent recruitment: Use your company's billboards or social media to promote the need for foster parents.

International Adaptations

While the U.S. focuses on the first Tuesday in May, other countries have their own traditions. In the United Kingdom, Foster Care Fortnight (usually in May) features public awareness campaigns and events. In Australia, National Foster Care Week (September) includes barbecues, community fairs, and online fundraisers. In Canada, Foster Family Week is celebrated in October with similar activities.

Children in foster care often face significant developmental challenges due to trauma from abuse, neglect, or separation from birth families. However, stable foster placements can mitigate these effects. Research shows that children in nurturing foster homes experience improved academic performance, better emotional regulation, and increased resilience. Early intervention and consistent support are critical for helping foster youth overcome adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Key Statistics

• Over 400,000 children are in foster care in the U.S. at any given time (2023 AFCARS data).
• The average time a child spends in foster care is about 20 months.
• Up to 40% of foster youth experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
• Only about 50% of former foster youth have a high school diploma by age 18 (compared to 84% of their peers).

National Foster Care Day emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care and advocacy for policies that prioritize permanent, loving homes.

Significant legislation has shaped foster care in the United States:

• 1974: Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) – Provided federal funding for child abuse prevention and established mandatory reporting requirements.
• 1980: Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act (AACWA) – Emphasized family preservation and reunification.
• 1997: Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) – Accelerated the termination of parental rights to move children to adoption or guardianship.
• 2008: Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act – Improved support for kinship caregivers and extended foster care to age 21.
• 2018: Family First Prevention Services Act – Shifted funding toward prevention services to keep families together and reduce foster care placements.

National Foster Care Day highlights ongoing policy needs, including better mental health services, education support, and transition resources for youth aging out of care.

Foster parents are the backbone of the foster care system. They provide temporary care for children who cannot safely remain with their birth families. Kinship care—placement with relatives or close family friends—is increasingly prioritized, as it preserves cultural and familial ties. National Foster Care Day recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of these caregivers, who often face financial strain, limited support services, and emotional challenges. Many agencies offer training, respite care, and financial subsidies to help foster families succeed.

Advocacy is central to improving the foster care system. Here are practical steps:

1. Contact elected officials: Urge them to support funding for child welfare services, foster parent training, and independent living programs.
2. Support local organizations: Volunteer or donate to groups like CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) or the National Foster Youth Institute.
3. Amplify youth voices: Follow and share content from advocacy groups led by current or former foster youth, such as Foster Club or the Youth Law Center.
4. Raise awareness: Use National Foster Care Day to start conversations in your community about the needs of foster children.

Policy priorities include extending foster care to age 21 in all states, improving educational stability, and ensuring access to trauma-informed therapy.