Equipping churches and faith-based organizations to effectively engage with vulnerable families in their communities

The Church is called to extend its hand to the needy, promote justice for the oppressed, & care for the vulnerable.

Fostering C.A.R.E. was born out of a desire to see the Church answer this call, particularly in light of the current crisis in our child welfare system. 

We should be moved with concern for the suffering of children and their parents. Many of the parents involved in the system are struggling with poverty, were prior victims of abuse and neglect themselves, and are socially isolated. National data indicate less than 50% of parents are provided with adequate case management services.

We must advocate for children and parents as they navigate judicial and government systems that are often wrought with injustice. In many states, parents are not provided with attorneys and courts are often not holding states accountable to making reasonable efforts to prevent the removal of children or providing appropriate services to parents to support timely reunification.

We are ministers of reconciliation as we serve children and parents (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). Families need the hope and power of the gospel to experience true healing and restoration.

We need to understand the laws and best practices that govern our child welfare system in order to help improve it. States are failing to meet key outcomes related to ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families. Understanding how to use state, local and national child welfare data enables the Church to clearly see existing needs and identify opportunities to serve.