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L E A R N

Understanding the Need

Foster care is notorious for its unrelenting and unending cycle. Kids face family breakdown, placement in an unfamiliar home, disruption, and too often, disruption again. Sadly, many children age-out of foster care without a permanent or lasting sense of family.

It takes faith, time, money, and emotion to care for vulnerable children. Without support, the role of a foster parent can feel nearly impossible.

The national average of families who quit fostering within their first year is about 50%.

That means we not only need to increase the number of families caring for vulnerable children, but we need to create support for these families so they can foster longer and stronger.

We partner with churches to create Family Advocacy Ministries (FAMs), providing what vulnerable children need most... strong families.

An Ecosystem of Child Well-Being

The ecosystem of child well-being is vast. Promise686 helps the Church navigate this complex environment so that vulnerable children and families experience lasting change. There are many opportunities where churches can serve, bless, and ultimately, influence.

V I D E O S E R I E S

Navigating the Journey of Foster Care and Adoption

Exploring foster care or adoption? Do you want to learn more before jumping in to an informational class? This video series provides a brief overview to help you navigate your journey into foster care or adoption. 

  • This guide suggests videos that will be most helpful for foster care.

  • This guide will lead you through videos most beneficial for adoption.

Here are a few additional resources that you also might find useful as you navigate your journey, as well as more information about choosing words that are honoring to both children and families. 
Watch Videos

L E A R N

Knowing the Terms

Featured
Adoption
Adoption

The legal process through which a child becomes a permanent member of a new family when reunification with their biological family is not possible.

“At-Risk” Youth
“At-Risk” Youth

Children or teens who face circumstances that may make them more vulnerable to challenges such as abuse, neglect, academic struggles, or involvement in the child welfare system.

Foster Care
Foster Care

A temporary arrangement where children are placed with licensed foster parents or relatives when they cannot safely live with their biological families.

Foster Parent
Foster Parent

An individual or couple licensed to provide a safe, temporary home for children who cannot remain with their biological families.

Permanency
Permanency

Any long-term, stable living situation, including reunification, guardianship with relatives, or adoption.

Reunification
Reunification

The process of safely returning a child in foster care to their biological family once the home environment is stable and supportive.

The Promise Experience

The Promise Experience is a brief audio journey designed to deepen your understanding of the foster care system through the eyes of a child. Take a moment to read and listen to real stories of children across different ages who have experienced the instability of growing up in foster care.