(Sample Foster Support Webpage for Dioceses)
Foster Care Awareness & Support
Currently, the United States is facing a critical shortage of foster families. In [Ohio–add your own state] alone, more than [15,000] children are in foster care, many waiting for safe and loving homes.
Many people feel a desire to help, but are unsure where to begin.
At the same time, nearly half of foster families stop fostering within the first year, often because they lack the support they need. When families are surrounded by a caring community, they are far more likely to continue.
This is where the Church can make a difference.
We are called not only to welcome children in need, but to walk alongside the families who open their homes. Some are called to foster or adopt. Others are called to support these families through prayer, encouragement, meals, and practical help.
Together, we can build a culture of fostering and adoption in our diocese.
Diocesan Resources
- Want to help your parish accompany foster and adoptive families? Start with a Building Belonging group or learn more about launching a Springs of Love Chapter.
- Project ideas for Chapters and other groups to support foster families and children in care
- “Radical Solidarity Through Fostering“: Read this article to learn how important strong foster families are.
- Get involved with foster care by praying a Novena to Saint Joseph.
Foster Care Awareness Video
Combining powerful moments from several Springs of Love short films, this video shares beautiful and varied stories of fostering, while highlighting the urgent need for strong, faithful foster families.
Resources for Discernment & Formation
- Free Online: Springs of Love Discernment Video Series
- Couples’ Novena for Discernment of Fostering & Adoption
- Building Belonging Small Groups
- More videos stories on fostering and adoption
Resources for Parishes and Families
Springs of Love is a national ministry that encourages, educates, and equips Catholics to discern and live out the call to foster and adopt. They also work with dioceses and parishes to support foster and adoptive families in their communities.
- Sample Parish Ministry web page for parishes
- Download the Springs of Love logo
Building Belonging is Springs of Love’s faith-filled small group for foster, adoptive, and discerning families. Through video, discussion, and prayer, families receive both practical and spiritual support while building community with others on this journey.
Parishes are invited to host a Building Belonging group as a simple first step toward accompanying foster, adoptive, and discerning families in their community.
