The Complete Guide to Volunteering with Foster Care
The foster care system affects hundreds of thousands of children across the United States, with about 390,000 currently in need of support nationwide. Yet, 
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to find and get started with foster care volunteering in your area, covering everything from becoming a CASA volunteer to simple ways you can help from home, whether that be through advocacy, mentoring, organizing a donation drive, or lending your professional skills.
There are many ways to serve, support, and create lasting change for kids and families navigating the challenges of the foster care system.
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How to Find Foster Care Volunteer Opportunities Near You
The first step is knowing where to look. Fortunately, there are national and local resources that connect caring individuals with trusted organizations.
1. National Foster Care and Adoption Directory
The National Foster Care and Adoption Directory is one of the best starting points. You can search by zip code, city, or state to find organizations, foster care agencies, and adoption services in your area. This tool connects volunteers directly with licensed programs and helps you quickly identify where your time and energy are needed most.
2. Local Department of Children and Family Services
Every state and county operates a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or similar office. By calling or visiting your local office, you can request a list of approved volunteer opportunities. These offices work directly with social workers, foster parents, and agencies, so they can connect you with programs that align with your interests and availability.
3. National CASA/GAL Association for Children
One of the most well-known programs is the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program. With 939 programs nationwide, CASA connects volunteers with foster kids who need someone to advocate for their best interests in court. Their program locator tool makes it simple to find opportunities near you. Check it out here.
4. National Nonprofits with Local Reach
Organizations like Foster Love operate nationally and partner with local communities all over the country. By reaching out to these nonprofits, you can get matched with volunteer projects ranging from assembling kits for foster youth to helping at fundraising events. Many organizations make it easy to get involved, whether you’re an individual, a family, or a corporate group looking for a team building project.
5. Community Groups, Churches, and Schools
Don’t overlook local community centers, schools, and faith-based groups! Many partner with foster care organizations and help children with special events, drives, or tutoring programs. They often donate supplies to local shelters or agencies and ask for help collecting those supplies. Simply asking about foster care projects in these spaces can open doors to unexpected but impactful volunteer roles.
Types of Foster Care Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways to support foster children, foster parents, and foster families. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and impactful opportunities.
CASA and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Programs
- CASA volunteers collect information from teachers, social workers, foster families, and biological parents.
- They compile reports for judges to help guide placement and care decisions.
- No legal or social work credentials are required—just complete the training.
Currently, CASA operates over 939 state and local programs in 49 states, but many foster kids still need support.
Most CASA commitments involve a few hours per month for about a year (this time depends on the state), covering meetings, court hearings, and regular visits with your assigned child.
Mentoring and Tutoring Programs
- Academic support: Helping with school supplies, homework, and tutoring.
- Emotional support: Listening, offering advice, and building trust.
- Life skills: Teaching budgeting, job readiness, or college prep.
Special programs exist for teens aging out of foster care at 18, providing them with crucial life skills and career advice as they prepare for independence.
Respite Care and Family Support
Foster parents and families often need breaks to rest, recharge, or focus on other responsibilities. Respite care volunteers step in to provide safe, temporary care.
- Evening or weekend babysitting
- Overnight or short-term placements
- Crisis respite during family emergencies
By providing respite, you give foster families stability while also offering children positive and nurturing experiences.
Event Support and Community Fundraising
- Running activity tables or games at family support nights and community events.
- Assisting with setup, registration, or logistics at awareness walks, fairs, or educational events.
- Supporting fundraising events by coordinating raffles, auctions, or guest check-in.
- Hosting donation drives for clothing, toys, school supplies, and even socks
You can also host fundraisers at your workplace, school, or local community center to gather both funds and supplies. These events spread awareness while providing direct resources for foster families.
Professional Services and Administrative Support
Your professional skills can be invaluable to the foster care system.
- Photography and videography: Taking portraits for adoption profiles like with Foster Love’s Framing Forever program.
- Marketing and social media: Helping organizations spread awareness.
- Administrative support: Filing, data entry, donation management.
- Legal or counseling services: Offering specialized expertise.
Even small contributions like designing flyers or managing a mailing list help agencies run smoothly and serve more children.
FAQ
Do I need special qualifications to volunteer with foster care organizations?
Nope! Most roles require only a background check and basic training. CASA volunteers need no legal background to become a volunteer. Professional skill volunteers like photographers or lawyers simply use their existing skills.
How much time commitment is required for foster care volunteering?
It varies. Some roles involve just a few hours at an event, while CASA cases may require over 10 hours per month for more than a year. Many organizations offer flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends. Any and all help is welcome!
Can I volunteer if I work full-time or have family obligations?
Absolutely. Many opportunities fit busy lives. Examples include donation drives, administrative projects, or even creating care packages from home.
What if there are no foster care organizations in my immediate area?
Use the National Foster Care and Adoption Directory to find agencies in nearby counties. Many activities—like assembling kits, fundraising, or advocacy—can be done remotely.
How do I know if my volunteer efforts are making a real difference?
Organizations often share impact updates via newsletters, reports, or volunteer appreciation events. CASA volunteers receive direct feedback from judges and social workers about how their advocacy has influenced children’s lives.
Conclusion
By choosing to get involved with organizations like Foster Love, you join a nationwide community working to support foster children, foster families, and foster parents. Every role, big or small, creates ripples of change that help kids feel valued, supported, and loved.
Now is the perfect time to take the first step. If you’ve ever searched for “volunteer with foster care near me,” this is your sign to connect with local organizations, and find your place in this important mission.
Together, we can create a society where every child experiences safety, stability, and joy.
