Across the country, people are stepping up to turn this tide and provide a better future for our nation’s most vulnerable children. Casey Family Programs can guide you through the first steps toward becoming a foster parent. If you’re not ready to make that commitment, Casey Family Programs can help you find other vital ways to improve the life of a child in foster care.

Start by exploring our menu of suggestions for every level of commitment: give a few minutes, hours, weeks or more time. No matter who you are or how much time you have to give, you can help create permanent, lifelong connections for children and youth.

If you have a few minutes

Explore Network for Good

Casey Family Programs does not solicit or accept donations for itself or on behalf of any other organization. However, there are other organizations that welcome donations of private funds and goods to help improve the lives of young people in foster care. You may search Network for Good to find such organizations serving young people in your community.

Read, watch, listen and learn

Learn more about foster care and gain a better understanding of the needs of those touched by the issue. Watch videos and read our recent case studies about the communities, families and children impacted by child welfare. Visit the National Resource Center for Youth Services and the Child Welfare Information Gateway for more facts and data.

Spread the word

Join us on Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus. Connect with our partners for more opportunities to participate in the dialogue.

If you have a few hours

Contribute to a young person’s academic success

Visit Foster Care to Success and LifeSet Network to learn how you can work with a local foster care program to provide academic opportunities for young people in your community.

Recognize community leaders

Recognize a person or organization supporting foster youth in your community by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper in praise of someone making a difference in the life of a child in foster care.

Advocate on behalf of youth and families

Visit FosterClub to learn about youth-led efforts in your community.

Lead in your community

Raise awareness through presentations to your faith-based congregation, civic group, PTA or other neighborhood associations. Encourage your community to come together to identify families and resources that help young people in foster care thrive.

If you have a few weeks

Become a respite care provider

Visit the National Foster Parent Association to learn how you can become a respite care provider and support foster families in your community.

Tutor a child in foster care

Contact your local foster care agency, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and YWCAs to ask about how to become a tutor.

If you have more time

Mentor

Research shows that children and youth with mentors earn higher grades and improve their relationships with friends and families. Visit the National Mentoring Partnership for more information.

Represent a child

Court appointed special advocates (CASAs) are trained citizens appointed by judges to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children. Visit National CASA for more information.

Foster

Learn about becoming a Casey Family Programs foster parent. Visit the National Foster Parent Association or the Foster Family-Based Treatment Association.

Adopt

Learn more from the North American Council on Adoptable Children and AdoptUSKids.

Become a professional social worker

Visit the National Association of Social Workers to learn more about dedicating yourself to a career that helps children and families.