what does advocacy for foster families and children look like at Bridge church?

The idea is to have several families that would rally around a foster family when they first receive a placement, as well as through the end of the placement. Practically speaking, a foster family would be assigned a lead advocate who would be the main point of contact for the foster family. When the foster family has a need they do not need to search for help. They simply talk with their lead advocate and the lead advocate reaches out to the Bridge Church network of supporting families to meet the needs of the foster family and/or foster child.

examples of needs that a foster family may have

Babysitting/Respite
Driver
Tutoring
Supplies
Support when a placement ends
Care for the foster families biological children
Meals
As well as other basic needs that may lighten the load of foster families

stats about foster care


  • In the state of Wisconsin in 2012, 4,000 kids were in foster care. In 2018, that number rose to 5,500
  • Every year 23,000 children age out of the foster care system, leaving them without families of their own.
  • One in four young people leaving foster care will have contact with the justice system within two years of exiting the system.
  • Fewer than three percent of young people leaving foster care will have a college degree by 25 (compared to 28 percent of all 25 year-olds).
  • More than one in five young people leaving foster care will become homeless after age 18.
All of these stats tell us one thing: The church must do something to reach and care for these children as well as for those already caring for these children.
Click here to join the loving families network
Click here to request resources from the loving families network