Y’all, it’s May, and that means it’s time to spread the word about Foster Care Awareness Month. Here at Every Child Arkansas, we’re all about rallying our community to lift up kids and families affected by foster care in our state.

Foster care isn’t a walk in the park, that’s for sure. Kiddos end up in the system for all kinds of reasons. But every single one of them deserves a shot at a stable, loving home where they can just be kids.

What is Foster Care Awareness Month about?

Foster Care Awareness Month is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the needs and experiences of children and families involved in the foster care system. It aims to shed light on the challenges faced by children in foster care, including instability, trauma, and the need for supportive environments to help them thrive.

During Foster Care Awareness Month, organizations, communities, and individuals come together to advocate for policies and programs that support the well-being of children in foster care. This includes promoting initiatives to improve the foster care system, increase access to resources and support for foster families, and raise awareness about the importance of foster care adoption.

What is Every Child Arkansas doing?

At Every Child Arkansas, we’re on a mission to be a beacon of hope in these tough times. We team up with folks all over our community to make sure every kiddo in foster care has a safe place to lay their head and people who’ll help them heal and flourish. In fact, Every Child Arkansas is made up of almost 30 organizations across the state that are working in different areas to advance child welfare.

Now, one of the main things we do is speak up for those who can’t always speak up for themselves. We’re advocating for programs that put kids first. But we don’t stop there. Our partners are helping out foster families with whatever they need, whether it’s help finding resources or just lending an ear when things get tough.

And let’s not forget about finding those kiddos forever homes. We’re all about adoptions and keeping families together whenever possible. Our goal is to make sure every child finds their place in a home filled with love and stability. We don’t just try to recruit to open new foster homes, we are recruiting homes that will be ideal placements for kiddos coming into care.

So as we celebrate Foster Care Awareness Month, let’s all come together and show our support for kids and families who need it most. Join us at Every Child Arkansas as we work towards a brighter future for every child in our great state.

How can you help?