Foster Parent Associations
- The International Foster Care Organization, or IFCO, is an international organization dedicated to the promotion and support of family foster care all over the world. The organization bases its work on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which explicitly states that children have a right to grow up in a family environment. IFCO is active in all corners of the world, promoting foster care and helping governments, children, young people, foster carers, social workers and other agents share experience and support each other.
- The National Foster Parent Association, or NFPA, is the national organization of foster parents in the Unites States. The organization's mission is, "To support foster parents in achieving safety, permanence and well-being for the children and youth in their care." However, membership is not only limited to foster parents; anyone interested in "improving the foster care system and enhancing the lives of children and families" can join. The membership fee for individuals and families is $35. NFPA provides members with scholarships, awards, legislative input, a quarterly newsletter, a speaker's bureau and access to its website.
- In addition to NFPA, there are state-level foster parent associations, for example the Oregon Foster Parent Association or the Adoptive & Foster Parent Association of Georgia. State associations advise their members on their rights and benefits, including tax breaks such as the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. State-level associations also provide guidance for foster parents with children with special needs.
- There are also local foster parent associations that accept members only from certain cities or counties. Follow a link in the Resources section to find the associations active in your area. Examples of local foster parent associations include the Sarasota County Foster Parent Association in Florida or the Foster Care Auxiliary of Orange County in California.
