Foster Care Month
May 1 - May 31
About Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month is observed throughout May each year in the United States, shining a light on the experiences of children and young people in the foster care system. Established by a presidential proclamation from Ronald Reagan in 1988, the month honours foster parents, families, volunteers, and child welfare professionals who work to provide safe, stable, and loving homes for children who cannot remain with their birth families. With over 360,000 children in foster care across the United States at any given time, the month serves as a call to action for communities to get involved.
What is Foster Care Month?
National Foster Care Month is a federally recognised observance dedicated to raising awareness about the foster care system and the children it serves. The month highlights the urgent need for foster families, celebrates the dedication of current foster carers, and draws attention to the challenges that children in care face, including placement instability, educational disruption, and the transition to adulthood. The Children’s Bureau, a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services, coordinates many of the month’s activities and resources at the federal level, while local agencies and nonprofits organise events in communities nationwide.
When is Foster Care Month?
National Foster Care Month takes place throughout the entire month of May each year. In 2026, it runs from Friday, 1 May to Sunday, 31 May. The dates are fixed to the calendar month and do not vary from year to year.
Why Foster Care Month Matters
The numbers tell a stark story. According to the most recent data from the US Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 368,000 children were in foster care in the United States in fiscal year 2023. Of those, more than 113,000 were waiting to be adopted, and around 20,000 young people aged out of the system each year without being placed in a permanent family. Young people who age out of foster care face significantly higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, and involvement with the criminal justice system compared to their peers.
Foster Care Month exists to change these outcomes by increasing public awareness and encouraging more families to consider fostering or adopting. It also advocates for policy reforms that improve the experiences of children in care, such as better support services for foster families, improved educational continuity for children who change placements, and stronger pathways to permanency through reunification, adoption, or guardianship. Every community has children who need safe, loving homes, and the month reminds us that everyone has a role to play in supporting them.
How to Get Involved in Foster Care Month
Whether or not you are in a position to foster, there are meaningful ways to participate:
- Consider becoming a foster parent – If you have the capacity and willingness to open your home, contact your local child welfare agency to learn about the requirements and process for becoming a licensed foster parent.
- Volunteer with a foster care organisation – Organisations such as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) train volunteers to advocate for children in the court system. Other groups need tutors, mentors, and activity leaders.
- Donate supplies – Children entering foster care often arrive with very few belongings. Donate suitcases, backpacks, toiletries, clothing, and age-appropriate books and toys to local foster care agencies.
- Support foster families in your community – Offer practical help to foster families you know, such as babysitting, preparing meals, or providing transport. These small acts of support can make a significant difference.
- Attend a Foster Care Month event – Many communities host awareness walks, picnics, appreciation dinners, and informational sessions during May. Check local listings for events near you.
- Advocate for policy change – Contact your elected representatives to support legislation that improves outcomes for children in foster care, including increased funding for support services and post-care transition programmes.
- Share stories on social media – Use the hashtags below to share foster care awareness messages, personal stories, and resources. Raising visibility helps recruit new foster families and build community support.
History of Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month was established in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating May as a time to recognise and honour foster parents and families. The proclamation acknowledged the vital role foster carers play in providing temporary or permanent homes for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or family crisis.
The concept of formal foster care in the United States has roots in the 19th century. Before organised systems existed, orphaned or abandoned children were often placed in almshouses or apprenticed to tradespeople. The modern foster care system began to take shape in the early 1900s, with the establishment of child welfare agencies and the passage of laws requiring the removal of children from harmful home environments. The Social Security Act of 1935 provided federal funding for child welfare services for the first time.
Significant reforms followed in later decades. The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 prioritised family reunification and established guidelines for foster care placements. The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 shifted the focus toward achieving permanency for children more quickly, setting timelines for reunification or termination of parental rights. The John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, established in 1999, created support services for young people transitioning out of care. Each of these milestones has shaped the system that International Family Equality Day and Foster Care Month work to improve.
Noteworthy Facts About Foster Care
- Approximately 368,000 children were in foster care in the US in fiscal year 2023, according to federal data.
- The average age of a child entering foster care is about 7 years old, though children of all ages, from infants to teenagers, are in need of placement.
- Around 20,000 young people age out of the foster care system each year without a permanent family.
- Foster parents in the US receive a monthly stipend to help cover the costs of caring for a child, though amounts vary widely by state.
- CASA volunteers advocate for approximately 275,000 children in the court system each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foster Care Month?
National Foster Care Month is a May observance in the United States that raises awareness about children in the foster care system, honours foster families and child welfare professionals, and encourages more people to consider fostering or supporting children in care.
When is Foster Care Month in 2026?
Foster Care Month runs from Friday, 1 May to Sunday, 31 May 2026.
How can I become a foster parent?
Contact your local child welfare agency or visit the AdoptUSKids website to learn about the requirements in your state. The process typically involves background checks, training courses, a home study, and licensing.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness about the needs of children in foster care by sharing this page and using the hashtags #FosterCareMonth and #FosterCareMonth2026 on social media. You can also use #FosterCareAwareness and #FosterCare to reach a wider audience. Every share could connect a child with the family they need.
Related Awareness Days
- International Family Equality Day – Observed on 3 May, this day celebrates diverse family structures and advocates for equal rights for all families.
- International Children’s Book Day – Celebrated on 2 April, this day encourages a love of reading in children, a simple but powerful way to support young people in care.
- Mental Health Awareness Month – Also held in May, this month highlights mental health issues that disproportionately affect young people who have experienced foster care.
Links
- Visit the Children’s Bureau Foster Care Month resources
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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