Get Involved this National Foster Care Awareness Month
During National Foster Care Awareness Month, we’re reminded that children and families connected with foster care need the support of a caring community all year long. Here are meaningful ways to support children, foster families, and child welfare efforts in your community.
Support Your Local Rainbow Room
When a child enters foster care, they are often starting anew with only a few personal belongings. Rainbow Rooms help meet the immediate needs of children and families connected to the foster care system by providing essentials such as diapers, formula, clothing, and hygiene items. These basic supplies can make a meaningful difference in a child’s comfort, safety, and stability.
You can help meet those needs by collecting donations of new items for your local Rainbow Room, ensuring children and families have access to the essentials they need right away.
Partnerships for Children serves Travis and McLennan County Rainbow Rooms. Our most-needed items are diapers, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items. Interested in hosting a drive for either Rainbow Room? Email us at info@partnershipsforchildren.org to get started.
Click here to connect with other local Rainbow Rooms across Texas.
Become A Licensed Foster Parent
Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing decision, and it is not one you have to make alone. By attending an information session hosted by Foster Community, you can learn more about the steps to become licensed to foster a child in Texas. These sessions connect you with licensing agencies that can guide your family through the process, from application to placement and ongoing support. If you have ever considered fostering, this is a great first step toward learning more. Click here to register for a virtual information session.
Become A Licensed Babysitter or Respite Care Provider
If you are not ready to care for a child in foster care full time, you can still make a meaningful impact by supporting licensed foster families as a babysitter or respite care giver. Whether you help for a few hours or a few days, this kind of support can give foster families much-needed encouragement as they offer the best possible care for the children in their home. Connect with us at info@partnershipsforchildren.org to learn more and get connected with partner licensing organizations.
Mentor A Youth Connected with Foster Care
Every young person deserves a safe, trusted adult. Through Partnerships for Children, volunteers can mentor youth connected with foster care through two programs: Kids in a New Groove (KING), which provides free weekly one-on-one music mentoring for youth ages 5+, and NextStep Mentoring, which supports older youth and young adults as they build career readiness and life skills.
KING Mentoring matches caring adults with youth for weekly music lessons that build confidence, creativity, and connection. You do not need to be a professional musician—just someone with experience playing an instrument and a commitment to showing up.
NextStep Mentoring connects professionals from all fields with teens and young adults who want support exploring careers, building job skills, and preparing for adulthood. If you are ready to invest your time and encouragement in a young person’s future, become a mentor with KING or NextStep.
Raise Adoption Awareness
You can help raise awareness for children in Texas foster care who are waiting for permanent, loving homes. The Heart Gallery shares dignified portraits of children awaiting adoption and helps connect them with families. You can support this effort by sharing stories from @PartnershipsForChildren and @HeartGalleryCenTX on social media, volunteering your photography skills, or hosting a display of Heart Gallery portraits at your business, community center, or place of worship.
Support Foster Families in Your Community
Foster families may be your neighbors, coworkers, or members of your school, church, or community. You can be part of their support system by offering to cook a meal, help with a grocery pickup, provide encouragement, or lend a hand as they care for the children in their home. Small acts of support can make a big difference.
This National Foster Care Awarenss Month and beyond, every act of support matters. Whether you give your time, share a message, encourage a foster family, or make a financial gift, you can help children and families connected with foster care feel seen, supported, and cared for. To stay connected with more ways to get involved, follow Partnerships for Children on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for opportunities to make a difference throughout the year.