May is National Foster Care Month

At National CASA/GAL, National Foster Care Month holds deep significance. It’s an intentional time to acknowledge the foster and kinship care families who step in to care for children and a time to reflect on the vital role that CASA and GAL volunteers play in the lives of children and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare and court systems.

Every child deserves a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive. Yet, for the children and youth in foster care across the United States, that journey can be filled with uncertainty. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS):

• Over 343,000 children are currently in foster care in the U.S.
• Over 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year without a permanent family.
• Over 70,000 children are in kinship care

CASA and GAL volunteers are trained and appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. They are often the one consistent adult in a child’s life during a time of disruption. These advocates listen, learn, and speak up to ensure that each child’s voice is heard in court and that their needs are not overlooked.

Each National Foster Care Month, we celebrate not only the children and youth who show incredible courage and resiliency, but also the advocates who walk beside them. CASA/GAL volunteers come from all walks of life, united by a shared belief that every child deserves to be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.

We honor the thousands of CASA and GAL volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to this mission and service. Their dedication helps children find stability, access services, stay connected to family and culture, and ultimately, find a path to a brighter future.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to foster families and kinship caregivers who open their hearts and homes to children in need. These families are essential partners in the child welfare system, and their compassion and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of children. Kinship care is when children are placed with relatives or close family friends. These caregivers offer a sense of belonging and can be especially powerful in helping maintain cultural identity, family connections, and emotional continuity.

At National CASA/GAL, we believe in the power of advocacy to transform lives. As we celebrate National Foster Care Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving environment. Thank you to the 939 state organizations and local CASA/GAL programs, volunteers, supporters, and partners for being at the heart of this movement. Together, we are building a future where every child’s story is one of hope, resilience, and possibility.