For more than 6,500 Kansas children in foster care, enjoying holiday traditions with family may not be possible, and making plans for the future may be difficult. Children who find themselves in foster care have often been removed from their parents because they have experienced abuse or neglect and it is unsafe to remain in their homes. Their families are going through a crisis, and foster care is a safe place that gives each child and his or her family an opportunity to resolve conflicts or disruptions and learn healthy skills so they can safely reunite.

It takes help from caring and supportive communities to strengthen families and build resilience in children and adults who have experienced trauma. You can give the gift of family to a child or teen in foster care during the holidays and throughout the year in several different ways:

Foster or Adopt a Child or Teen 

Perhaps the most profound way you can make a difference is to open your heart and home to a child or teen in foster care. Foster parents provide a safe and caring environment and help ensure that every child receives the education, medical care and support they need to thrive. They also play an important role in helping children recover from the trauma and/or neglect they have experienced. More foster parents are needed in every community so that children can remain close to what is familiar to them, especially their families and schools.

We work to help children stay in families, and with their own families when safely possible. If reunification is not possible, the goal becomes matching the child or teen with an adoptive family. Visit our adoption website to meet children in need of a family. It takes a special calling to be a foster or adoptive parent, but everyone can do something to help a child or teen in foster care.

Volunteer Your Time and Talents 

We’re always looking for volunteers to help us with events and other projects throughout the year. Children need caring adults to help them learn skills like baking, playing basketball, learning a board game and so many things that you can share with a child. If you have a talent that you would like to share with KVC to support children and teens in foster care, contact your local KVC office to see how you can help.

Make a Donation

We invite you to get involved in our Holiday Hero program, which gives you the opportunity to shop for gifts for youth in foster care. There are several different ways you can donate to KVC and show a child or teen that they matter: sign up for our Everyday Hero monthly giving program, donate school supplies or make a monetary donation. No matter what you give, your gift makes a difference.

Educate Others 

Right now there is a child in your neighborhood, in your community who needs your help. With more than 6,500 Kansas children in foster care, you can be an advocate for them by raising awareness and educating others. KVC publishes new content frequently on our website and social media pages. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to share our posts.