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Martha Vigil is Friends of Foster Children’s Kinship Navigator. With nearly 12 years of social work experience, she began her career in case management before transitioning into her current role at FFC, where she supports relative or non-relative caregivers navigating the foster care system.
When asked what her role entails, Martha explained: “When we receive shelter, we set up a home visit where I bring an emergency bag for the kids. A lot of times, children arrive with just the clothes on their back, which is unacceptable. At the home visit, we also do a needs assessment. This helps me see where we can help and how we can guide the caregiver. I explain how the system works, what court is like, and answer any questions they might have. Typically, I do my visits based on the needs of the caregiver. However, we never close our cases so if they need additional visits or calls, I will be there.”
In her role, Martha sees firsthand the challenges caregivers face. The most common include financial strain, communication with people within the system of care, and navigating relationships with biological parents. “Clients often have very specific questions about their case, and it’s my job to help them find those answers,” she explained.
When reflecting on her own challenges, Martha emphasized the importance of advocacy. “When resources are not available to my clients, I become the advocate. The process can take a while and involves a lot of paperwork, so it can be difficult sometimes. But this job has taught me to be patient and to understand that not everyone functions the same way. It has also taught me the importance of listening to caregivers. Sometimes being a listening ear is what they need to leave frustration behind, and also help us to know what is going on to try to find a solution. ”
Despite these challenges, Martha remains grounded in her purpose. “Whenever I receive a hug from a caregiver and they feel relieved and know what to do, that’s when I feel like I’ve done my job,” she shared. “So many people need support, and sometimes they don’t know what steps to take. I’m willing to help as much as I can, especially when kids are involved.”
Her work at Friends of Foster Children allows her to make that impact every day. She also emphasized the need for greater community involvement: “I wish people understood that we need support: more funding, more advocates, and more volunteers. We need the community behind us.”
Finally, Martha offered encouragement to those considering becoming a foster parent or entering the field of child welfare:“It’s worth a try. A good placement can change a child’s life forever…not just right now, but for the rest of their life.”
The Smith Sister's Story
In honor of Foster Care Month, Friends of Foster Children is highlighting incredible stories in which foster parents stepped up, and children received loving care. Our first story comes from N & J, Anthony's foster parents, who write: In November 2023, close to 9 PM, we received a call asking if we could provide emergency placement for a young boy in need of safety and stability. Within a short time, Anthony arrived at our home carrying only a small bag and emotions no child should have to navigate alone. Anthony was sheltered due to household violence that threatened his safety and well-being. This was not his first experience with foster care. He had previously been sheltered for similar circumstances and was reunified with his biological mother in May 2023. However, only months later, concerns once again arose regarding violence within the home environment, leading to another removal for his protection. Anthony initially adjusted very well. He started strong in school and demonstrated how bright and capable he was. But as time went on, the emotional impact of separation, uncertainty, and trauma began to surface. Like many children in foster care, his greatest desire was to be reunited with his mother. He carried hope in his heart even during difficult moments. He also maintained visits with his older brother, which brought both comfort and emotional challenges. Foster care is often an emotional roller coaster, filled with moments of progress, setbacks, healing, grief, and hope, all intertwined together. Then came a turning point. During spring break, Anthony was finally able to see his mother face-to-face again after an extended period of virtual accommodations. Despite the hardships and delays along the journey, those moments of reconnection meant everything to him. After 16 months involved in the foster care system, Anthony was reunited once again with his mother. Anthony’s story reminds us that foster care is far more than a temporary placement. It is about protecting children during vulnerable seasons, offering stability during uncertainty, and believing that healing and restoration are possible. Behind every foster care case is a child longing to feel safe, loved, and connected to family. This Foster Care Awareness Month, we honor Anthony and every child whose journey through foster care has required unimaginable strength. Their stories matter, their resilience matters, and every person willing to stand in the gap can make a lasting difference.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safe and stable environments for every child. It’s also a reminder that prevention starts with community. When families are supported, and children are protected, we can reduce the risk of abuse and neglect before it happens. Prevention is not just about recognizing harm; it’s about building a community where families are supported before crises occur. This month, and every month, we encourage everyone to stay informed, speak up, and support organizations working on the front lines. Friends of Foster Children works with children and caregivers navigating the foster care system, many of whom have experienced abuse or neglect. By providing essential resources, emergency support, and guidance to caregivers, we aim to create stability during times of crisis and help children begin to heal. At Friends of Foster Children, support often begins at the moment a child is removed from their home. Many children enter care with few belongings, sometimes just the clothes on their backs. FFC provides emergency bags filled with clothing, toiletries, and age-appropriate essentials to help restore a sense of dignity and normalcy during a traumatic transition. Beyond these immediate needs, the organization works closely with caregivers, whether foster parents, relatives, or non-relative placements, to ensure they have the tools and resources necessary to provide safe, nurturing homes. This includes helping caregivers navigate the complexities of the child welfare system, connecting families to community resources, and providing items like beds, school supplies, and other necessities that create a stable home environment. By easing these burdens, caregivers can focus on what matters most: building trust and emotional security for the children in their care. Together, we can help ensure that every child grows up in a safe and caring environment.
You may have heard of the term “social work” or “social worker.” Yet, what is social work, and what does being a “social worker” actually entail? When someone refers to a social worker, they are usually talking about a professional trained in the field of Social Work whose job is to help people navigate difficult life situations and connect them with the support they need. Social workers assist individuals, families, or entire communities facing challenges such as poverty, mental health struggles, illness, addiction, domestic violence, or family instability. At Friends of Foster Children, our staff includes experienced social workers who specialize in child welfare. Additionally, FFC works closely with other social workers from partnering agencies across the community to support children and families. Depending on the agency and role, a social worker may investigate reports of maltreatment, visit homes to assess a child’s safety, or connect families to services such as the programs Friends of Foster Children provides. Through programs such as Kinship Navigation and Foster Navigation, our social workers guide caregivers through the often complex child welfare system, helping them access resources, understand their rights, and ensure children in their care have the support they need to thrive. Our Responsible Fatherhood program provides fathers with mentorship, parenting guidance, and tools to strengthen their relationships with their children. In addition, our Navigating Adulthood program helps young adults who are aging out of or have aged out of foster care build independent living skills, set goals, and navigate adulthood with confidence. We are proud of the impact that Friends of Foster Children is able to make as social workers. As we celebrate this month, let’s not forget the hard work that all child welfare social workers put in to help vulnerable children and families.
Road to Adoption: Jackie & Chris's Story
The Best Motivation for a Foster Parent
Each year, thousands of young people transition from foster care into adulthood, a milestone known as “aging out.” At 18, many face the challenge of building independence without the consistent support of family. While this time can be difficult, it also opens the door to new opportunities. Across the country, programs and resources exist to help with housing, education, career planning, and life skills. These supports recognize that, like all young adults, those leaving foster care need guidance and encouragement as they begin their journey. Here in our community, Friends of Foster Children offers Navigating Adulthood, a program designed specifically for teens preparing to age out of foster care. Led by Serenity—a young woman who aged out of herself—the program provides mentorship, resources, and practical life skills. The program covers topics such as budgeting, cooking, communication, and time management, giving participants the confidence to move forward. Serenity’s leadership makes the program especially meaningful. Having walked the same path, she understands the challenges these young adults face and models what’s possible with support and determination. Aging out is not just about foster care; it’s about stepping into adulthood prepared and supported. With programs like Navigating Adulthood, young people are equipped to build stability, pursue their goals, and create fulfilling futures. Community members can play a role, too, through mentoring, volunteering, or supporting programs like this one. Together, we can help ensure that when young people age out of foster care, they don’t face the journey alone. Help caregivers provide loving homes for children in need. Your donation makes a difference today.
Reunification is the process of returning a child in foster care to their parents or primary guardians. It is a slow process guided by courts, social workers, and support teams who all want one thing: to make sure a child is safe, loved, and cared for. Most children in foster care eventually return to their birth families. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Nearly 50% of children who leave foster care do so through reunification with their parents or primary caregivers.” That’s hundreds of thousands of families each year who are given a second chance — who face their struggles, make changes, and do the hard work of reuniting with their children. How Does Reunification Work? Reunification is a structured process that involves several key steps: 1. Family Assessment and Case Plan Once a child is placed in foster care, a caseworker conducts a full assessment of the situation. The court then outlines a family case plan — a set of goals and actions the parent(s) must complete to regain custody. These may include: Attending parenting classes Maintaining sobriety and completing a rehabilitation program Finding stable housing and employment Participating in therapy or counseling Complying with regular court check-ins and supervised visits This plan is tailored to the family's specific circumstances and is monitored closely by child welfare professionals. 2. Supervised Visitation During this period, parents usually begin with supervised visitation — scheduled times when they can see their children under the supervision of a social worker. These visits often happen in a neutral setting, such as visitation centers. Over time, as trust and progress build, supervised visits may evolve into unsupervised visits, overnight stays, and eventually trial home visits — all building blocks towards reunification. 3. Ongoing Support Reunification isn’t about checking off boxes — it’s about meaningful change. That’s why families receive continued support throughout the process, including: Therapy (individual or family) Substance abuse recovery programs Parent coaching Housing and financial assistance Help with transportation or childcare The goal is not just to bring the child home, but to create an environment where they can thrive long-term. 4. Final Reunification Decision Once the family has made substantial progress, and the child’s well-being can be ensured, the court may grant legal reunification. This means the child is no longer under foster care jurisdiction and can remain with their family permanently. But even after reunification, many families continue receiving services to reduce the risk of re-entry into care and promote ongoing success. What Does Reunification Look Like for a Child? Reunification is a deeply emotional and complex experience for a child. Foster parents, caseworkers, and birth families must work together to support the child’s emotional transition. When done right, reunification can be a beautiful reminder that healing is possible, that people can grow and change, and that love can endure hardship. Why Reunification Matters When we give parents the tools they need to succeed, we don’t just reunite families — we break cycles of trauma. We give children the chance to reconnect with their roots and culture. How Can Communities Help? Reunification isn’t just the job of child welfare agencies — it’s the work of entire communities. Here's how we can help: Employers can offer second chances to parents striving to rebuild their lives Churches, nonprofits (like Friends of Foster Children), and community groups can provide parenting classes, recovery support, and mentorship Neighbors and friends can offer rides, meals, or childcare during tough times Policy advocates can push for funding in prevention and family preservation programs When we invest in families before a crisis happens — and support them after — we change the entire story. So, can foster children be reunified? Yes. Reunification is one of the most beautiful expressions of hope in the foster care system. It says, we believe people can grow, children deserve the best, and we believe in healing. It doesn’t happen easily or quickly. It takes hard work, vulnerability, accountability, and compassion. But when it does happen, it’s a victory worth celebrating — not just for the family, but for all of us. Because every child deserves the chance to pursue a happy childhood. Help caregivers provide loving homes for children in need. Your donation makes a difference today.
A Look at the Homes, Hearts, and Hope That Shelter Children in Care When a child is removed from their home, one of the first and most important questions becomes: where will they stay? Foster kids can stay in a variety of settings depending on their age, needs, family situation, and availability of caregivers. Each placement is thoughtfully considered, and the goal is always to place the child in the least restrictive, most loving environment possible. 1. Relative/Kinship Care—Placing the child with a relative or close family friend. Did you know that more than 30% of children in foster care in the U.S. are placed with relatives/kin? Children feel more secure when surrounded by familiar people, culture, and routines. Kin placements give the child a sense of familiarity and can help make reunification easier. These caregivers often act quickly and selflessly to provide stability, sometimes without much notice. 2. Licensed Foster Homes - People who have gone through background checks, home studies, training, and certification to become non-relative caregivers. Foster families provide a nurturing home with day-to-day care: meals, transportation, homework help, and any other support a child would need. Foster families can come in all shapes and sizes: Single parents, couples, and families with or without kids. 3. Group Homes or Residential Treatment Centers - Designed for children with complex behavioral and emotional needs. These are staffed facilities designed to provide 24/7 supervision and structure, offer specialized services, and help stabilize children before transitioning them to family-based settings. While not ideal for long-term placement, group homes can be a crucial stepping stone. 4. Emergency Shelters or Short-Term Foster Care - When no long-term placement is available. When children need an immediate place to stay, they may be placed in an emergency shelter or with short-term foster parents. These placements are temporary (less than 30 days), focused on stabilizing the child, and only used while the caseworker finds a more permanent match. Many communities have emergency foster families on call 24/7 to reduce the time a child spends in shelters. 5. Therapeutic or Specialized Foster Care - Caregivers who are specially trained to handle complex cases. The goal is to provide high-level care in a home-like environment, rather than an institution. These caregivers receive additional training, work closely with therapists, caseworkers, and schools, and help children build coping skills and regulate emotions. What Makes a “Good” Foster Home? The best foster homes offer a soft place to land, strong and predictable routines, compassion, and respect. A child may not remember the furniture or décor, but they’ll never forget the way a foster parent made them feel. How Long Do Foster Kids Stay at a Placement? It varies widely. Some children stay in foster care for a few days or weeks. Others may stay for months or even years. The average length is about 12 to 20 months. Do Foster Kids Get a Say in Where They Stay? Yes, especially as they get older. Caseworkers often consider the preferences and needs of the child, especially in cases involving: Sibling placements (keeping brothers and sisters together) School continuity Cultural or religious identity Previous positive connections (former caregivers, teachers, mentors) Children over 12 or 14 (depending on the state) often participate in family team meetings and court hearings where their voices are heard. What Happens When There Are Not Enough Homes? This is one of the biggest challenges in the foster care system. Children may be placed far from their communities, siblings may be separated, and children may stay longer in shelters or institutions. This is why foster parent recruitment and community support are so important! How You Can Help Become a foster parent - If you have room in your home and heart, becoming licensed can change a child’s life. Support a foster family - Offer meals, transportation, babysitting, or emotional support. Donate supplies - Provide backpacks, bedding, hygiene kits, or toys to children entering care. Advocate - Raise awareness about the need for more homes, especially for teens, siblings, and kids with special needs. Mentor a youth - Build a relationship with a foster teen through a mentorship program or nonprofit organization. So, where do foster kids stay? They stay wherever there are open doors and open hearts. Sometimes that’s with a grandparent or a neighbor. Other times, it’s with a loving stranger who says, “Come in, you're welcome here.” It may be for a night, a year, or forever—but each place they stay becomes part of their story. And when we do it right—when we lead with compassion, invest in families, and support caregivers—foster care can be not just a place of transition, but a launchpad toward a brighter future. Because at the end of the day, every child deserves more than just a place to stay. They deserve a place that will support them through all of life’s challenges. Help caregivers provide loving homes for children in need. Your donation makes a difference today.
A Journey from Uncertainty to Hope When a child enters the foster care system, it's often because a home becomes a place of instability. In these moments, the world becomes confusing and overwhelming for a child. However, while foster care often begins in crisis, it can also mark the start of a healing journey filled with support, compassion, and second chances. This article explores what happens when a child enters foster care—from that first phone call to the path toward permanency. And most importantly, it reminds us that behind every placement is a real child hoping to feel safe, seen, and loved. The First Step: A Call for Help It all begins with concern. Someone—a teacher, a neighbor, a doctor, or a family member—sees something that doesn’t sit right. Maybe it’s a child’s fearful behavior, or conversations that hint at danger. They report it to Child Protective Services (CPS). Once a report is made, CPS investigates. If they find that a child is in immediate danger or living in conditions that are unsafe, they may decide that removal from the home is necessary. This moment is heartbreaking. For the child, it’s confusing and scary. For the parent, it’s painful. But the goal is to protect. The Removal: A Child's World Changes If a child must be removed from their home, a caseworker or law enforcement official will be present. Depending on the situation, this may happen during the day at school or daycare, or in the evening at home. The child may leave with only the clothes on their back or a few belongings hastily packed in a bag. They might not understand what’s happening at all. And in that moment, they lose not just their home, but often their sense of normal. This is why compassion matters so much. From the very beginning, foster care workers, emergency caregivers, and first responders have an opportunity to treat children with kindness and dignity during what might be the scariest day of their lives. Emergency Shelter or Foster Home Placement Once removed, the child is placed in a safe environment. This could be: A licensed foster home A relative’s home (kinship care) A group home or shelter (in less common or emergency) The goal is always to place the child with someone familiar—a grandparent, aunt, or family friend—if it’s safe and feasible. Studies show that children placed with relatives experience less trauma and adjust more quickly. When that's not possible, foster families step in. These are trained, licensed individuals who open their hearts and homes to children in need. They provide not just a roof and meals, but emotional comfort, stability, and the day-to-day care a child needs to begin healing. The First Days in Foster Care The first few days are a whirlwind. For the child, everything is unfamiliar: the house, the food, the people, the rules, the smell of laundry or the sounds of the neighborhood. It may take days or weeks for the child to feel even a little bit safe. Foster parents try to ease the transition by offering: A warm bed and clean clothes Favorite foods or snacks Age-appropriate toys or books Patience, routine, and empathy Caseworkers also step in during this time, explaining what’s happening in language the child can understand. A court-appointed guardian or child advocate may be assigned to represent the child’s best interests. Most importantly, children are told they are not to blame. Because so many carry guilt and shame for what’s happened to them or their families. Medical, Emotional, and Educational Support Soon after placement, the child receives a full evaluation to assess their: Physical health Mental and emotional well-being Developmental and educational needs Many foster children come into care with unaddressed medical issues or trauma. Some have fallen behind in school due to instability at home. Others may have special needs that were never diagnosed or treated. Foster care gives them access to services they may never have had before, such as: Therapy and counseling Tutoring or special education support Medical and dental care Trauma-informed programs Every piece of this puzzle helps a child feel whole again. It says: You matter. We see you. We’re here to help you heal. The Legal Side: Court Hearings and Family Plans While the child is settling into their foster home, the legal system begins its process. A judge will review the circumstances of the removal and decide on the next steps. The biological parents are usually given a case plan, a specific list of things they need to do to regain custody. This might include: Attending parenting classes Going to counseling or rehab Securing stable housing or employment Participating in supervised visits with their child The court reviews progress every few months. The primary goal of foster care, whenever possible, is reunification—rebuilding a safe and healthy relationship between the child and their family. Sometimes, parents make the changes needed. Sometimes they don’t. And when reunification isn’t possible, the focus shifts to finding a permanent home through adoption, legal guardianship, or long-term foster care. Building Bonds in Foster Care Foster care isn't just about surviving—it’s about connecting. As time passes, children often begin to form meaningful relationships with their foster families. They may celebrate birthdays, learn to ride a bike, or experience their first safe holiday. Even in a temporary home, love can grow. Foster parents play a critical role in helping children: Trust adults again Develop positive routines Learn coping skills Heal from trauma These bonds can leave lasting impressions—even if the child eventually returns home or moves on. Many foster children stay in touch with former foster families for life. Education and Extracurriculars Children in foster care are entitled to continue their education and participate in after-school activities, sports, arts, and social events. These experiences help kids feel like kids again. With support from their foster families and case workers, they might: Join a soccer team Play in the school band Attend prom Go on field trips Apply to college or trade school Foster care is not about limiting possibilities—it’s about restoring them. Aging Out of Foster Care For youth who aren’t reunited or adopted by age 18 (or 21 in some states), they “age out” of the system. But that doesn’t mean the support ends. Many states now offer extended foster care programs, which help young adults: Attending college or trade school Learning life skills Secure housing and employment Access to mental health services Programs like this recognize that turning 18 doesn’t make a child suddenly ready for adult life, especially one who’s endured trauma. The goal is to launch them into independence with dignity and support. So, What Happens When a Kid Goes Into Foster Care? Here’s what happens: A child is protected. A family is given the chance to heal. A system of compassionate adults steps in. New routines, relationships, and opportunities begin to form. Healing begins—even if slowly. Foster care isn’t perfect. There are not enough foster homes. However, every day, there are victories. A child who smiles again. A teen who finds a mentor. A family that reunites stronger than ever. How You Can Help You don’t have to be a foster parent to make a difference. Here are some ways you can support children in care: Become a CASA or guardian ad litem (court advocate) Donate backpacks, clothes, or school supplies Volunteer at a foster care nonprofit Support foster parents in your community Spread awareness by sharing facts and stories If you’re feeling called to do more, consider becoming a foster parent. It’s a big step—but one that can change a child’s life, and yours. Final Thoughts: From Surviving to Thriving When a child enters foster care, it marks a moment of deep loss—but also the beginning of hope. While no system can undo the harm or restore what was lost, foster care can provide what every child deserves: a chance to feel safe, to be seen, and to believe in their future. So yes, foster care starts with a crisis. But with love, support, and the right people around them, children in care can do more than survive—they can thrive. And that, in the end, is what every child deserves. Help caregivers provide loving homes for children in need. Your donation makes a difference today.
