National Foster Care Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Foster Care Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Foster Care Month is observed on May 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Foster Care Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you might want to know about National Foster Care Month.

📅 What day is National Foster Care Month 2024?

In 2024, National Foster Care Month is on Monday, May 1st. It is the 1st Monday in May; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the exciting details and facts about May 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year since 1988, the US government has made official statements honoring National Foster Care Month, which takes place in May, as a way to show appreciation to foster parents across the nation. Foster care is designed to provide a secure and nurturing environment for children and teenagers who cannot live with their own families for an extended period of time. Foster care is a vital part of the various services offered by the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, and the US Department of Health and Human Services, all dedicated to supporting children and families.

📜 National Foster Care Month History

The United States Children’s Bureau is a government agency that falls under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Administration for Children and Families. Its main focus is to improve child abuse prevention, foster care, and adoption. The bureau was established in 1912 when President William Howard Taft signed a law to create it.

Interestingly, during its peak, the Bureau was predominantly run by women, which was unusual for a government organization at that time. It played a significant role in introducing social research methods and the beliefs of maternalist reformers into federal government policies. This legislation was the result of a grassroots campaign that started in 1903 by two social reformers named Lillian Wald and Florence Kelly. The bureau’s main objective was to examine and report on all aspects related to the well-being of children across different social classes. Along the way, they garnered support from President Theodore Roosevelt and other prominent figures, eventually leading to the law being passed nine years later. The Bureau’s operations would be overseen by a chief, who would be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Julia Lathrop became the first chief of the Children’s Bureau and the first woman to head a federal department in the United States.

✅ National Foster Care Month Facts

🔖 Average age
Contrary to popular belief that foster children are primarily infants or toddlers, the average age at which children enter foster care is eight years old.

🔖 71,000 children
In 2018, there were over 71,000 children who were eligible for adoption after their parents’ rights had been legally terminated.

🔖 400,000 children
Every day, about 400,000 children in the United States are in foster care.

👍 Why Is National Foster Care Month Important

It may seem cheesy, but it is correct. When we invest in our youth, we are investing in the future of civilization, and we must ensure that we provide them with every opportunity possible.

Foster care is crucial in providing a safe haven for young people who have been separated from their homes. It is a priceless resource for keeping children safe in emergency situations and providing stability, direction, and comfort to our country’s most vulnerable children.

The primary purpose of foster care is to remove children from dangerous situations and place them in safer surroundings. This program has saved countless lives over the years by focusing on prevention, education, and foster care in order to provide the best possible environment for our youth.

🙂 How To Observe National Foster Care Month

⚡ Wear Your Support

⚡ Spread the Word
Please share this message to raise awareness about the foster care system’s significance and the positive impact it has on the younger generation. Encourage donations and encourage those who are able to consider becoming foster parents. The more people who see this, the greater the chances of making a real difference. Remember to include the hashtag #DareToCare.

⚡ Donate to a foster care fund
Order official National Foster Care Month pins and ribbons from FosterClub. Some people also wear light blue shirts.

📅 When is National Foster Care Month?

View all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Appreciation and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Foster Care Month. So be sure to check back soon.