Imagine What It Would Be Like To Live In A Foster Friendly State
Foster families can go from two kids at the dinner table to five around the breakfast table – a transition that starts with a late-night phone call, followed by scared, sleepy kids showing up on the doorstep, and foster parents who will say “Yes,” to setting aside comfort and routine for a while to stand in the gap with vulnerable kids.
Sadly, nearly half of foster parents who go through the effort to become certified quit within the first year, often due to a lack of community support.
Georgia Kids Belong equips leaders in government, business, faith communities and civic organization to create a Foster Friendly state where the experience of foster families looks more like this:
- A faith or civic organization gets the word when a family takes a new placement and shows up with care packages and groceries.
- The local news reports stories about the positive impact of foster care on the lives of kids.
- The governor, mayor and other political leaders prioritize “improving the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care.”
- Local restaurants offer discounts on kids’ meals.
- Kids in foster care can enjoy discounts on practical needs like haircuts, school supplies and shoes; as well as treats that might not otherwise be available to them, like a photographic sitting, visits to area recreation and attractions, etc.
