Currently, more than 25,000 children across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska are in foster care, many of them waiting for an adoptive home. This number can feel staggering, and the problem insurmountable. But in the face of such challenge, individuals, families, and communities across the Pacific Northwest are stepping forward and taking action. They are walking alongside at-risk families to reduce the need for family separation. When foster placement becomes the safest option for the child, they are opening their homes or supporting neighbors who do so. They are delivering boxes of toys, bringing stuffed animals to children during difficult transitions, and creating opportunities for all children to flourish. It is this spirit that we recognize and applaud this National Foster Care Month.
In addition to many organizations working to address the root problems leading to foster care placement, the Murdock Trust is grateful to support a number of organizations across the Pacific Northwest that provide support and service to children in foster care and foster families:
- Organizations working to close the gap between children waiting for an adoptive home and families ready to open their homes, such as A Family for Every Child and Child Bridge
- Organizations working to strengthen families at risk of separation so that foster placement is not necessary, such as Holt International
- Organizations supporting foster children in the form of tutoring, internships, clothing, toys, and more, such as Project Lemonade and Embrace Washington
- Organizations supporting foster families through Foster Parents Night Out, Love Boxes for foster families, and more, such as With Love Oregon, The Contingent, and Transformations by Olympic Angels
- Organizations caring for the mental and emotional wellbeing of foster children in the form of culturally sensitive mental health care and support during difficult transitions, such as Fosterful (formerly Office Moms & Dads) and Kinship House
The statistics may feel staggering, but at the Murdock Trust, we are reminded every day that the response from dedicated individuals, families, and communities to care for vulnerable children is just as significant. To every organization, faith-based community, family, and individual caring for the most vulnerable among us, we cannot say thank you enough.
There are many ways to support children in foster care near you, such as providing temporary respite care, mentoring a child, becoming a court-appointed special advocate (CASA), donating supplies, and more. Learn more at Adopt US Kids or find a relevant nonprofit organization near you.
