Build Community and Raise Awareness throughout National Foster Care Month

Each May, we honor and recognize National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about students experiencing foster care in your schools, agencies, and communities. Honoring and recognizing National Foster Care Month is an important part of keeping the education needs of children and youth in foster care in the minds of the public. Browse our Pennsylvania toolkit for ideas on how you can become informed, raise awareness, and take action this May.

illustration of diverse group of people celebrating and holding megaphones

Take Action this May

Use Our Hashtags in
Your Posts

#FosterCareMonth
#FosterCareMonthPA
#WearBlueForFosterCare

Wear Blue on May 7

Ideas to promote the day, download promotion flyer, and use our sample email.

Attend Our Webinars

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Foster Care Essentials May Webinar Series

  • 1
    Share our sample key facts, digital recognition flyers and images, and social media post series to show your support and encourage involvement in your school and community.
  • 2
    Organize a supply drive within your school community to collect comfort items, essentials, and school supplies for a child’s first night in care. Coordinate your donations with your local Education Liaison.
  • 3

    Raise awareness of National Foster Care Month by coordinating a Wear Blue Day at your school or organization on Wednesday, May 7 for National Foster Care Day.

  • 4
    Be intentional about checking in with students experiencing foster care this May. Ensure they are on track and have resources to finish the current school year strong. Download our new guide for helpful ideas.
  • 5
    Ensure that students in foster care placement and eligible for Act 1 have been properly identified and receive the benefits they are entitled to.
  • 6
    Identify a secondary school Point of Contact for students, foster parents, and child welfare agencies to ensure support and access during summer break, and to ensure that students are ready to begin school on time next fall.
  • 7
    Identify and connect students in foster care placement to programs and services available during the summer months. Make necessary referrals to ensure adequate support during summer break.
  • 8
    Register yourself and invite colleagues to join in our three-part event webinar series: “Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Foster Care Essentials” this May.
thumbnail of Take Action This May flyer

Do you have a “take action” idea?

We’d love to hear your idea!

Please email us at [email protected].

Educators Guide for Students in Foster Care Placement thumbnail

2024 Key Facts

Use our Sample Social Media Post Content and Digital Images!

Sample Messages for Schools

  • Wear Blue on May 7 for National Foster Care Day! Here at [School/District Name], we’re showing our support for children & youth in foster care placement. Snap a photo, tag us on ___, or on X/Twitter or LinkedIn @Center_Schools. Email photos to [email protected]. #WearBlueForFosterCare #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA

  • May is National Foster Care Month! Here at [School/District Name], we’re committed to supporting our students in foster care. Join us in celebrating their resilience and achievements! #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA
  • At [School/District Name], we believe every student deserves a nurturing environment to learn and grow. Let’s come together to provide stability and support for our students in foster care. #StabilityMatters #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA
  • Empowering our students in foster care is a priority at [School/District Name]. Through trauma-informed practices and inclusive policies, we’re creating a safe and supportive space for all learners. #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA
  • Transitions can be challenging for students in foster care, but at [School/District Name], we’re here to ensure a smooth journey. Let’s work together to provide continuity and care during times of change. #SchoolStability #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA
  • Privacy and confidentiality are paramount when supporting students in foster care. At [School/District Name], we respect every child’s right to privacy and strive to create a trusting and supportive environment. #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA
  • Our students in foster care placement have incredible strength and resilience. Let’s celebrate their achievements and provide the support they need to thrive academically and personally. #Resilience #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA
  • As part of [School/District Name], we’re dedicated to upholding the rights and protections provided to students in foster care. Let’s ensure every child receives the support they deserve. #EducationRights #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA
  • Dreaming big is encouraged at [School/District Name], especially for our students in foster care. With access to resources and support, we’re empowering them to pursue their goals and aspirations. #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA

  • At [School/District Name], every student matters. Let’s continue to support and uplift our students in foster care, ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. #FosterCareMonth #FosterCareMonthPA

Digital Images

Download our National Foster Care Month digital images and share with your own message or one of our sample messages.

Download all National Foster Care Month images. (Zip File)

Click on an image below to download individually. Note: If your browser opens the image in a new window, right-click on the image, choose “save image as,” and choose a location to save the image on your device.

Wear BlueWear Blue Tuesday, May 7. Show your support and raise awareness for foster care on National Foster Care Day! #WearBlueForFosterCare
School stability promotes resilience for students in foster care.
Let’s Celebrate the resiliency of children and youth in foster care.
Community Resilience Collaboration Opportunity Belonging School Stability Being Understood Access
There are more than 390,000 children and youth in foster care in the U.S.
Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care annually without a permanent family.
An estimated 77% of eligible youth in foster care leave care without receiving the federally funded services available to them.
In Pennsylvania, 44% of children and youth in foster care are placed with a relative.
An estimated 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+.

Webinar Series: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Foster Care Essentials

Each session includes a 30-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session.

Friday, May 3 – Best Interest Determination (BID) Essentials

Join us for an overview of school placement best interest determinations (BIDs.)

Friday, May 10 – Immediate Enrollment and Records Transfers Essentials

Review requirements and discover insights on immediate enrollment and records transfers.

Friday, May 17 – Transportation Essentials

Focus on transportation considerations and transportation plans required under ESSA.

Wear Blue Day on Tuesday, May 7

Show support and raise awareness for foster care by wearing blue on Tuesday, May 7. As an added bonus for 2024, National Foster Care Day is observed on the first Tuesday of May each year, which is May 7!

Here are some great ideas to help make May 7 an awesome day of raising awareness and celebrating National Foster Care Month

  • Let your colleagues know about #WearBlueForFosterCare Day by sharing our Wear Blue Day flyer and short info email.
  • Gather your colleagues, students, friends, and family for a group photo.
  • Don’t have a group? Take an awesome selfie!
  • Post your photos to your professional and personal social accounts.
  • Use #WearBlueForFosterCare.
  • Tag @Center_Schools on X/Twitter and LinkedIn.
  • Email your photos to [email protected].
thumbnail of 2024 Wear Blue Day flyer

Sample email content to share about Wear Blue Day within your organization.

Subject Line: Wear Blue for Our Foster Care Day! #WearBlueForFosterCare

Honoring and recognizing National Foster Care Month is an important part of keeping the needs of children and youth in foster care placement in the minds of the public. On Tuesday, May 7 turn your school or agency blue to recognize our Foster Care Day for #WearBlueForFosterCare!

Gather colleagues, students, friends, and family to take photos, selfies, and videos.

Next, share them on social media or email them to us at [email protected].Tag us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn @Center_Schools.