National Foster Care Month: Our Children Need Us

Each May, we observe National Foster Care Month— a time to raise awareness, educate the public, and inspire action for children and youth in the foster care system. For me, this hits close to home. As an African American licensed foster/adoptive parent and an instructor of the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) for foster and adoptive parents, this isn’t just advocacy; it’s personal.

Foster care is a vital part of our social safety net, but it is a system in urgent need of support, especially when it comes to serving Black children. Black children are significantly overrepresented in foster care, yet there is a severe shortage of Black foster families available to care for them. In our local service area alone, 117 Black children were referred to foster care — but only 36 Black families were available.

This imbalance isn’t just a data point. It reflects a deeper crisis of identity, belonging, and opportunity. And we, as a community, can do something about it.

Why African American Foster Parents Matter:

Cultural Connection: Children thrive when they can see themselves in their caregivers and maintain a sense of cultural identity.
Representation: Black foster parents provide children with role models who understand their experiences and celebrate their heritage.
Justice: Addressing disproportionality in the system is a racial equity issue — and part of our mission at the NAACP.

Not everyone can foster, but everyone can help.

Here’s How You Can Take Action:

📝 Help Recruit New Families

Anyone interested in helping recruit more foster and adoptive parents can fill out this short form. A local recruitment coordinator will follow up with information and next steps.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Volunteer for the Family Time Program

Support reunification by supervising visits between parents and children involved in the Polk County Safe Babies Court. Volunteers provide visitation support and help connect families with needed items and services. Contact Children & Families of Iowa: AsaciaE@cfiowa.org

🎒 Donate Care Kit Items with Foster SQUAD

Every child entering care deserves dignity. You can help by donating bags, blankets, and hygiene items through Foster SQUAD’s Amazon Wishlist, or by organizing a group donation drive.

This is justice work. This is community care. This is about ensuring every child knows they are worthy.

Let’s make this May more than a moment. Let’s make it a movement.

If you have questions about how to get involved or want to connect about fostering, adoption, or community engagement, please reach out. Together, we can ensure that every child not only survives, but thrives.

Victoria Henderson Weber

President | NAACP Des Moines

Licensed Foster/Adoptive Parent

NTDC Instructor