National Foster Care Month Events
Honoring and recognizing National Foster Care Month is essential to keeping the needs of children and youth in foster care in the minds of the public. Browse this page for ideas on how you can take action in your community!
Featured Children’s Bureau Events
National Foster Care Month 2023 Virtual Event
Join us on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. ET for a virtual event recognizing May as National Foster Care Month! Hosted by the Children’s Bureau and the Capacity Building Center for States, this event will highlight this year’s theme of supporting the mental health needs of children and youth in foster care and their caregivers. Participants will hear about some of the challenges child welfare workers face in addressing youth and family mental health and learn innovative strategies to support the mental health needs of children and youth in care.
Save the Date!
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
Register Now!
Children’s Bureau Talks Foster Care and Mental Health
In observance of National Foster Care Month 2022 and Mental Health Awareness Month, the Children’s Bureau hosted an honest conversation about the intersection of family separation, trauma, and triumph on May 11, 2022.
This chat featured the following individuals:
- Aysha E. Schomburg, associate commissioner, Children’s Bureau
- Nicole Childers, foster care lived experience and executive editor of the Business, Technology and Innovation Unit at NBC News
- Thema Bryant, Ph.D., president-elect, American Psychological Association
Sample Foster Care Month Events
View this list of sample events to see what others have done to raise awareness in their community.
- Organize an in-person event in your community. View the Foster Care Alumni of America: Foster Walks website for an example of how-to bring community members together to raise awareness.
- Wear your National Foster Care Month pins and ribbons sponsored by Foster Club and your “Be a Hero, Foster a Child,” bracelet from the National Foster Parent Association to show your support, or purchase them to resell and fundraise for your organization.
- Support change efforts all year long. View the Foster Care to Success: The Care Package Program website to contribute items to care packages for college-age youth, or partner with Comfort Case to provide comfort and the essentials for a child’s first night in foster care.
To get more information about what is happening for National Foster Care Month in your State, contact your State foster care program manager.