Thousands of children across Michigan awaiting their forever family 

Grand Rapids, Mich., - Samaritas, a leading organization in foster care services, has unveiled the “Top 10 Ways to Step Up for Kids” to raise awareness and encourage community involvement to make a meaningful impact on the lives of foster children and families across Michigan.  

While the number of children in foster care continues to decrease in Michigan – from 11,918 in 2017 to 10,000 in 2023 – thousands of children are still waiting for their forever family. By empowering individuals and communities to engage in tangible ways, Samaritas strives to build a culture of compassion and support, ensuring every child in foster care has the opportunity to grow and flourish. 

1. Become a Foster Parent: If you have the ability and willingness to provide a stable and loving home, consider becoming a foster parent. Foster parents play a vital role in providing safety, support, and stability to vulnerable children. 

2. Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the needs of foster children and families in your community. Share information on social media, organize awareness events, or volunteer with local organizations to advocate for foster care support. 

3. Advocate for Policy Change: Get involved in advocacy efforts to support foster care reform and policy change. Write to your elected officials, participate in advocacy campaigns, and support organizations working to improve the foster care system. 

4. Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to learn more about the foster care system, including the challenges faced by foster children and families. Share your knowledge with others to raise awareness and promote understanding. 

5. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support foster children and families. You can volunteer as a mentor, tutor, or childcare provider. Additionally, consider volunteering at foster care agencies or organizations that provide support services to foster families. 

6. Donate: Your contributions can provide foster parents with essential training and tools to nurture children in their care. Donate at http://www.Samaritas.org/donate.  

7. Host a Support Group: Offer your space to host foster care support groups, helping foster parents network and find encouragement. 

8. Provide Employment Opportunities: Create or advocate for employment opportunities for older foster youth, helping them gain valuable job skills and experience. 

9. Offer Compassion and Understanding: Show compassion and understanding towards foster children and families. Foster children may have experienced trauma and instability, so offering kindness, empathy, and support can make a significant difference in their lives. 

10. Consider Adoption: While the ideal scenario is for children in foster care to be reunited with their biological parents, that’s not always possible. Placing foster care children with loving families is the next best option. Contact Samaritas or another reputable adoption organization to learn more.  

"Substantial time and effort have been dedicated to reducing the number of children in foster care over the past several years, but there’s still so much work left to be done so that all children know the love of a forever family,” said Kelli Dobner, Chief Growth Officer for Samaritas. “From raising awareness to advocating for policy change or offering our time and resources, each action is a ripple of compassion that can transform the lives of children in foster care. As we champion this cause during Foster Care Awareness Month, let's remember that our collective efforts are the bedrock upon which brighter futures are built. Join us in spreading hope, healing, and opportunity to every child who deserves a loving home and a chance to thrive. Together, let's step up and make a difference.” 

In addition to sharing ways that we can support children in foster care, Samaritas will host a Virtual Town Hall on May 29 at 11:30 a.m. that will feature key voices in child welfare across Michigan. This year’s topic is “Compassionate Care for LGBTQ+ Kids.”  

For more information about Samaritas, foster care, and the upcoming Virtual Town Hall, visit Samaritas.org. 

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For 90 years, Samaritas has grown to serve and transform the lives of nearly 20,000 individuals each year through 60 program sites across the entire lower peninsula of Michigan. Our skilled team of professionals provides essential, life-changing services to some of the most vulnerable Michiganders, including people living with substance use disorder, refugee families and youth looking for peace and opportunity, kids in the foster care system needing safety and stability, children with a goal of being adopted and finding their forever family, and many more. For more information on Samaritas, visit Samaritas.org.