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Home > Topics > Human Services > Foster Care

Putting Children and Youth First: The Rewards of Foster Care

Today in America, over 550,000 youth live in foster care — double the number that were in foster care just 15 years ago. Foster care is critical in providing these youth with the stability and grounding they need to succeed in today's world. The call for committed, caring foster families is great in communities across the United States. While the number of youth in foster care has continued to increase, there has been a decrease in the number of licensed foster parents.

You can play a part by supporting and getting involved with children and youth in foster care. Donate to organizations that work with these children or make the decision to get involved personally in the life of a youth in foster care as a foster parent or child advocate.

For hundreds of thousands of Americans, the decision to get involved in the life of these foster youth has been extremely rewarding. Your decision to support a youth in foster care is a decision that will change their lives for the better — and yours, too.

•	More than 60% of children in foster homes are children of color.
•	Children ages of 11-15 are the largest group needing foster care (29%), followed by ages 6-10 (25%) and 1-5 (24%).
•	118,000 children in foster care are awaiting placement in adoptive families.
•	18,000 to 20,000 youth in foster care, aged 16 and older, transition from the foster care system each year.

Source: Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS)

Make A Donation
These organizations make a difference in kids' lives. Make a difference with your donation.

Donate to one of the charities below, or search for others that work to promote human rights around the world.

Child Welfare League of America
Providing services that aid 3.5 million neglected and abused children each year.

National CASA Association
Training and support for court appointed special advocates for children.

Orphan Foundation of America
Support to parentless teens pursuing college and vocational training.

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Working to increase adoptions of waiting children in North America.

Family Builders By Adoption
Educating the community about the needs of waiting children and placing children with permanent, secure families through adoption.

National Association of Child Advocates
Nationwide network of child advocacy organizations.

North American Council on Adoptable Children
Placing school-age children who can't remain with their birth families.

Southern California Foster Family Agency
Placing children into homes until they can be reunited with their birth families, be adopted or become independent adults.

YouthBuild USA
Helping young adults to rebuild and improve the communities in which they live.

Be A Volunteer
Explore wide variety of ways you can support youth in foster care as a volunteer.

Volunteer with one of these organizations or search for other opportunities that interest you.

Be a foster parent

National Foster Parent Association

Be an adoptive parent

Dave Thomas Foundation

National American Council on Adoptable Children

Be a volunteer advocate for children & youth in court

National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association

Be a mentor

AFC Mentoring

National Mentoring Partnership

Speak Out
Lend your voice for the foster and adoptive children that cannot. Get involved with issues affecting foster care and child welfare.

Annie E. Casey Foundation: KIDS COUNT
Look up indicators of child well-being by Congressional district.

Child Welfare League of America
Keep up to date on issues surrounding children, families and child welfare services.

National Association of Child Advocates
Be an advocate for change.

North American Council on Adoptable Children
Research and learn about policy issues related to foster care and adoption.

YouthBuild USA
Join a coaltion to increase funding for youth employment and training.