Each May, Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) recognizes National Foster Care Month. The month serves as an opportunity to acknowledge not only resource families, but also relatives, social workers, community partners and advocates who help children remain connected to supportive adults and familiar communities.
Earlier this month, employees with DCFAS gathered for a Kin Town Hall, an event focused on the importance of kinship care and maintaining family and community connections for children entering foster care. The event highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to place children with relatives or trusted adults they already know whenever possible. Research consistently shows that children placed with relatives or close family friends often experience greater stability, maintain stronger cultural and family connections, and experience less trauma during an already challenging period in their lives. Kinship caregivers may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, godparents, teachers, coaches or other supportive adults who have meaningful relationships with the child.
While the goal is to keep children in a stable and safe home, sometimes youth need to be placed with resource families for their safety and well-being. There is always a need for loving and understanding adults to become resource parents. You can find out more about the qualifications and how to apply by visiting the DCFAS website.
While National Foster Care Month is a time to recognize foster youth and those helping them, it can also be a reminder that it is up to the whole community to support all children and teens. From relatives stepping in during times of crisis and neighbors checking in on each other to social workers helping families navigate complex situations, many people play a role in helping children feel safe, connected and supported.