Family Assistance Services
Practical Help for Real Families. Right When They Need It.
From a child's first night in a new home to birthdays, back to school, and the holidays — our Family Assistance Services make sure no child goes without the essentials that bring dignity, joy, and a sense of normalcy.
About Family Assistance Services
Life inside the foster care system is unpredictable. A child can be placed in a new home with very little notice, arriving with few belongings and no familiar comforts. A caregiver can find themselves suddenly responsible for children of all ages, all at once, without the supplies they need to provide proper care.
Friends of Foster Children's Family Assistance Services exist to fill those gaps — immediately, practically, and with warmth. We stock our closets and storerooms with the items families need most, so that when a child walks through our doors — or a caregiver reaches out in a moment of need — we're ready.
In 2025, our Family Assistance Services supported 4,454 children across Palm Beach County.
For Foster & Kinship Families in Palm Beach County
The Essentials Are Here. So Are We.
Every foster family and kinship caregiver in Palm Beach County has access to our Family Assistance Services — at no cost. From clothing and emergency supplies to birthday gifts and holiday support, we make sure no child goes without.
What We Provide:
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Clothing Closet
Every child deserves to be dressed with dignity.
Our Clothing Closet is stocked with gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for children of all ages — maintained through the generous donations of our community partners and supporters.
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Foster families and kinship caregivers have access to the Clothing Closet twice per month, with up to 10 items per child per visit. In 2025, 2,817 children received essential clothing through this service.
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Emergency Closet
When a child enters a new placement, time matters.
Our Emergency Closet provides immediate, age-appropriate essentials so that caregivers are never left scrambling in those first critical hours.
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Emergency bags include:
New clothing, pajamas, underwear, and socks
School uniforms and supplies
Hygiene products
Blankets, diapers, and wipes (for infants and toddlers)
In 2025, 440 emergency bags were distributed to children entering crisis situations.
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Birthday Closet
Every child deserves to feel celebrated on their birthday — no matter the circumstances.
Our Birthday Closet is stocked with brand-new toys and gifts for children from newborns through teenagers, so that no birthday goes unrecognized.
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Caregivers can visit our Birthday Closet to select a gift for the child in their care. It's a small gesture that makes a big difference in a child's life.
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Back to School Support
A new school year should feel like a fresh start — not a source of stress.
Each year, Friends of Foster Children provides school supplies, backpacks, and uniforms.
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These vital school supplies go to children in foster and kinship care so that they can walk into the classroom feeling prepared and confident.
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Holiday Support
The holidays are some of the most emotionally charged moments of the year for children in foster care.
We work hard to make sure they feel the joy of the season — just like every other child.
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Our holiday support includes:
Thanksgiving Baskets — Full meal baskets delivered to 300+ families in 2025
Holiday Toy Drive — 1,337 children each received three gifts in 2025
Halloween Costumes — 138 children received costumes in 2025, able to fully participate in a beloved childhood tradition
Valentine's Bags — A little love delivered to children in care
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Special Events & Community Experiences
Children in foster care deserve the same enrichment experiences as any other child.
They should be able to enjoy trips, outings, and moments of pure fun that become cherished memories.
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Throughout the year, we provide tickets and access to events, including:
Foster Family Night at the South Florida Fair (551 children and caregivers attended in 2025)
Shows and performances at The Kravis Center
The Palm Beach Zoo
Cox Science Center & Aquarium
Back to School Palm Beach County
Community partner events throughout the year
How to Access These Services
Family Assistance Services are available to foster families, kinship caregivers, and families connected to the child welfare system in Palm Beach County. If you're not sure whether you qualify, reach out — we'll figure it out together.
Contact Us
Phone: (561) 352-2540
Address: 4100 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
How You Can Help
Our closets stay stocked thanks to the generosity of donors, businesses, and community members who believe every child deserves what they need.
Common Questions About Fostering
We know you have questions. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most often.
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No. Single individuals can absolutely become foster parents. However, a single foster parent is required by law to identify a backup sitter who is available to support them when needed. That person must be background screened and approved by the Department of Children and Families.
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The number and ages of children placed in your home is based on your home's capacity, your skills and stamina as a caregiver, and your physical accommodations. Generally, there should be no more than five total children in the home — including your own biological children — and no more than two infants under the age of two.
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Each child must have their own bed and adequate storage for their belongings. Children in care cannot share a bedroom with any adult, except for infants 12 months or younger. Any child over the age of three must not share a bedroom with a child of the opposite sex.
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There are no strict age restrictions, but your age will be considered in relation to your health, physical energy, flexibility, and ability to care for a specific child over the duration of a placement.
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All members of your household will be asked to share health history, including physical and mental health. A medical release from your physician confirming you are able to care for a child in your home will be required.
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Foster parents must have sufficient income to support their own family's stability — without relying on the foster care stipend. Your income should be sufficient to cover 4–6 weeks of a child's expenses until reimbursement begins.
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Foster parents must be willing to support a child's participation in the faith of their choice, or the faith requested by the birth family. Foster parents whose religious beliefs preclude the use of licensed medical physicians for foster children may not be licensed.
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You must have a detailed, approved plan for meeting the child's transportation needs — including medical and dental appointments, school pickup, extracurricular activities, therapy, and family visitation. All vehicles must be in safe, legal condition. Proof of liability insurance and a valid driver's license is required. Every child under age 4 must be transported in an appropriate car seat.
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If married, foster parents should have a stabilized legal marriage of at least one year before seeking licensure. If you have recently been divorced, widowed, or experienced the loss of a child, you will be asked to wait one year before applying.
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Donate Items
We regularly accept donations of gently used clothing, shoes, and new hygiene products, toys, and supplies. Contact us to find out what's most needed right now.
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Host a Drive
Organize a donation drive at your workplace, school, or place of worship. We'll provide everything you need to make it a success.
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Make a Financial Gift
A monetary donation allows us to purchase the specific items we need most — exactly when we need them.