HELP FOSTER YOUTH
You Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Foster Youth.
Are you a current or former foster youth? Find help for you.
WHY FOSTER YOUTH NEED OUR HELP
A foster child may live down the street, sit in your classroom, or go to school with your grandchild. You may never know what they have lost or how many times they have had to start over.
- 344,000+
- children spent time in foster care in the U.S. in 2024.
- 1 in 3
- foster youth experience homelessness by age 21.
- 300,000+ churches
- across America represent an enormous opportunity to surround foster youth and foster families with support.
This is something we can do together.
It crosses politics, backgrounds, beliefs, and communities.
Sources
- Children in foster care in 2024: Child Trends analysis of federal AFCARS data, May 2026. 344,000 U.S. Children of All Ages Lived in Foster Care in 2024
- Housing through age 21: Child Trends analysis of the four completed National Youth in Transition Database cohorts found that two thirds remained stably housed through age 21; about one third had experienced homelessness by age 21, February 2026. Two Thirds of Foster Youth Remain Stably Housed Through Age 21
- Churches across America: the latest U.S. Religion Census counted 332,880 Christian congregations in 2020 across its Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox Christian, Latter-day Saints, and Other Christian categories. 2020 U.S. Religion Census: National Overview (PDF)
OUR SIGNATURE INITIATIVE
Give a Gift of Hope
Give a foster girl a copy of Take A Walk With Me and a Clara Jean Doll™ — a replica inspired by the childhood doll Clara’s mother made by hand for her while Clara was in foster care. Each Gift of Hope is a reminder that she is seen, valued and loved.
LEARN ABOUT GIFT OF HOPECURRENT & FORMER FOSTER YOUTH
Are you a current or former foster youth? We’re here for you, too.
You can find housing, education and scholarships, employment, health coverage, and support for aging out or extended foster care where you live. Turning 18 doesn’t necessarily mean your help ends.
ALREADY LEFT FOSTER CARE AFTER 18?
You may still be eligible for help, and in some states you may be able to return to foster care.
LEARN ABOUT RE-ENTRYFrequently Asked Questions
How ZIP-code search works, who this site serves, and how you can get involved.
READ THE FAQ