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Foster Conversations

Helping foster parents and their kids connect.

We can be the solution

Over 437,000

children and youth are in foster care.¹

Nearly 50%

of all homes licensed to provide foster care quit within their first year due to burnout.²

What’s missing?

Mental and behavioral health is the largest unmet health need for youth in foster care.³

Feeling valued.

Celebrating milestones and creating traditions can help foster children feel valued and special.⁴

Foster care conversation cards

Start the conversation

Spark a conversation

One of the best ways to build trust in your household while helping a new child transition into your family is to get to know each other. Use these cards to start the conversation. They can be used in any order when the time is right for you and your child. Make sure to help the child understand that what they share is important. Also let them know the information is meant to help them as they adjust to becoming a member of your family.

How to help your foster child feel welcome and adjust

With an open heart, a desire to help and a belief that you have something meaningful to give, you’ve chosen to become a foster parent. Here are some tips to help you get ready for this important journey.

Read article >

Caregiver decision support guide

As a caregiver, it can be daunting to decide how to help your loved one in a time of crisis or a noticeable shift in mood. The decision support guide is a mental health navigation space that reviews options you have, depending on you and your loved one’s needs. Reference the decision support guide to understand mental health resources that are available to help you connect with the right solution. Fill in your relevant healthcare contact information, download or print the PDF, and store or save in a space that is easy to access when you need it quickly.

See how we’re helping employers, health plans and state governments support mental health and emotional wellbeing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis— seek safety and get help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. To reach a trained crisis counselor, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). You may also text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support. *

Sources 1. Justice Resource Institute, Foster Care: Avoiding Foster Parent Burnout. Accessed October 10, 2024. 2. American Society for the Positive Care of Children, Foster Care and Adoption. Accessed October 10, 2024. 3. American Academy of Pediatrics, Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Children in Foster Care. July 7, 2021. 4. American Psychological Association, Psychologists work to support children and parents in the child welfare system, but more is needed. March 1, 2023.

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