--- title: How to Help Foster Families description: National Foster Care Month is a time to bring awareness about the need for foster families to care for youth in foster care. --- [![Buckner International ](https://pages.buckner.org/hubfs/Buckner_November2019%20Theme/Images/buckner-intl-logo-horizontal-blue.svg "Buckner International ") ![Buckner International ](https://pages.buckner.org/hubfs/Buckner_November2019%20Theme/Images/buckner-intl-logo-horizontal-white.svg "Buckner International ")](https://www.buckner.org/) [Donate](https://www.buckner.org/donatenow) Search www.buckner.org Submit - [About](https://www.buckner.org#) - [Who we are](https://www.buckner.org/who-we-are) - [Ways to give](https://www.buckner.org/ways-to-give) - [Financial accountability](https://www.buckner.org/financial-accountability) - [Leadership](https://www.buckner.org/leadership) - [Careers](https://www.buckner.org/careers) - [Contact](https://www.buckner.org/about/contact) - [Resource Center](http://www.buckner.org/resources) - [What We Do](https://www.buckner.org#) - [Foster Care & Adoption](https://www.buckner.org/foster-care-adoption) - [Retirement Services](https://www.buckner.org/retirement-services) - [Family Hope Centers](https://www.buckner.org/family-hope-centers) - [Family Pathways](https://www.buckner.org/family-pathways) - [Where We Work](https://www.buckner.org/where-we-work) - Get Involved - [Camp Buckner](https://www.buckner.org/camp-buckner) - [Events](https://www.buckner.org/events) - [Engage your church](https://www.buckner.org/engage-your-church) - [Missions](https://www.buckner.org/missions) - [Volunteer](https://www.buckner.org/volunteer) - [Dallas Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid](https://www.buckner.org/dallas-buckner-center-for-humanitarian-aid) - [Blog & Stories](https://www.buckner.org/blog) - [Shoes For Orphan Souls®](https://www.buckner.org/shoes) - [Donate](https://www.buckner.org/donatenow) # Help Foster Families “Look after widows and orphans in their distress.”-James 1:27 ## There are many ways to help foster families. Currently, there are more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States with nearly 30,000 children in foster care in Texas. Buckner is dedicated to recruiting families who will open their hearts and homes to these children until a permanency plan is established.  In order to come alongside our foster families and help provide them with support we offer three services — respite care, substitute care, and babysitting. These are great ways for friends, family, and church members to come around foster families and offer help. ### **Respite foster care** Provide relief care for longer than 72 hours to children in placement with other foster families, usually on weekends or during vacation periods. You must be a licensed foster home. To begin the process sign up for one of our virtual information meetings.  ### **Substitute foster care** Provide relief care for eight to 72 hours to children in placement with other foster families, typically when the foster families need a short break or have a family emergency. Must be 21 years or older, background check required as well as one family reference, two additional references, CPR, first aid, and additional training required. To find out more fill out the form below or email fostercareadoption@buckner.org. ### **Babysitting foster care** Provide relief care for up to 12 hours to children in placement with other foster families. A background check is required as well as one to two references. Babysitters for children 18 months and under must have first aid and CPR training. Babysitters under 18 years old must meet additional criteria. To find out more fill out the form below or email fostercareadoption@buckner.org. [Learn more about Buckner **Foster Care**](https://www.buckner.org/foster-care-adoption/foster-care?__hstc=45788219.87528f45e55c5afd81ccc3b2237b209e.1712613054232.1712613054232.1712613054232.1&__hssc=45788219.1.1712613054232&__hsfp=2174296116) or get started by [registering for a virtual information meeting today.](https://www.buckner.org/foster-care-adoption/events?__hstc=45788219.9816a3debad80bad197e614a84e24536.1712265859390.1712265859390.1712265859390.1&__hssc=45788219.1.1712265859390&__hsfp=2174296116) [Click here to see more ideas on how to help foster families or help your church become foster-friendly.](https://pages.buckner.org/how-to-become-a-foster-care-friendly-church?hsLang=en) *Sources: [Texas DFPS](https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/), [CAFO](https://cafo.org/) and [Texas.Gov.](https://data.texas.gov/browse?Dataset-Category_Category-Tile=Social+Services)*   ### Need more info or ready to get started? Fill out the form below.  ## GET UPLIFTING STORIES OF HOW YOU CAN SHINE HOPE IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD! We're excited to share with you all the ways you can shine hope to vulnerable children and families around the world. We invite you to stay connected with us while also growing in your own faith. Click below to get the latest news, updates and invitations to exclusive events from Buckner. And, we'll send you spiritual encouragement through our weekly Faith Focus devotion. You won't find these stories and resources anywhere else! 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