Create a personalized strategy
We work with faith communities to:
Meet Tangible Needs
Our team can help your congregation organize an effort to meet the tangible needs of kids and families in the area.
Recruit New foster families
Tennessee always needs new foster families. Your group can help spread awareness and encourage others to become foster parents.
set up wrap-around teams
Wrap-around teams provide support for current foster families.
What to expect
1
Reach out to Every Child TN.
By filling out our connect form, we can get to know your group better and how you’d like to get involved.
2
Continue the conversation.
Once we receive your connect form, we’ll reach out.
3
Connect with a Faith Community Network Liaison.
We’ll learn more about you and your faith community and discuss ways that you can support children and families in care. Our liaisons will walk with you through the rest of child welfare work.
Below are FAQs on how Every Child TN can guide you to create or expand your foster care ministry.
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What is a foster care ministry?
A foster care ministry is a faith-based community, house of worship, or other faith-based initiative designed to support and engage with children, youth and families before, during and after foster care. This can include:
- Recruiting more foster families.
- Providing support to foster children, youth and their families.
- Meeting tangible needs for vulnerable children and families.
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What are the reasons faith communities might get involved in foster care?
- Aligns with the mission and purpose.
- Creates new opportunities to meet the tangible needs today.
- Builds a welcoming community of faith that invites more people to join you.
- Steps in to support the most vulnerable children, youth, and families before, during, and after foster care.
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What are the first steps in starting a foster care ministry?
- Connect with an Every Child TN representative to tell them more about you and your faith community. Click here to begin.
- Identify others in your community that may share a similar passion.
- Work with the leadership of your faith community to guide the effort.
- Seek out leaders, experts, and research that are active in the effort already.
- Collaborate with other organizations and faith communities to learn best practices and multiply your efforts.
- Form a leadership team to bring the consistency and support needed.
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How can we recruit and support foster families within our community?
- Host informational events to educate about the need and process.
- Partner with local agencies and experts to facilitate training.
- Create support groups, offer respite care, and provide practical help like meals and childcare.
- Connect new and experienced foster families.
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What types of support can our ministry provide to foster children and families?
- Material Support: Clothing, school supplies, and emergency kits.
- Emotional Support: Counseling services and support groups.
- Social Activities: Organize outings, camps, and holiday celebrations.
- Educational Support: Tutoring and mentoring programs.
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How can we engage the broader congregation in this effort?
- Use sermons, bulletins, and social media to alert others about the effort.
- Have foster families share their experience and story during a service.
- Organize an after-service lunch meeting to share about the effort.
- Offer various ways to get involved, from direct caregiving to administrative support.
- Host fundraisers, appreciation dinners, and awareness months.
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What partnerships are beneficial for a foster care ministry?
Every Child TN will connect you to local agencies serving your communities.
- Collaborate with child welfare agencies and community-based organizations.
- Partner with other faith communities to share resources and knowledge.
- Utilize local businesses, schools, and service organizations.
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What legal and ethical considerations should we be aware of?
- Confidentiality: Protect the privacy of foster children and families.
- Training Requirements: Ensure volunteers and staff receive appropriate training and background checks.
- Compliance: Adhere to state and federal regulations regarding foster care.
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How do we sustain and grow the ministry over time?
- Regular Evaluation: Assess the ministry’s impact and areas for improvement.
- Leadership Development: Train new leaders to ensure continuity.
- Fundraising: Develop a sustainable funding model through donations, grants, and events.
- Community Engagement: Continually engage and educate the congregation and community about the ongoing needs and successes.
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What resources are available to help us get started?
Every Child TN has an expert partner who can help faith communities receive continuing education and coaching for their specific foster care ministry contributions. Such offerings include:
- Training Programs: Look for workshops and certifications from foster care agencies.
- Books and Publications: Find literature on foster care and ministry development.
- Online Resources: Utilize websites and webinars dedicated to foster care advocacy and ministry.
- Coaching: One-on-one coaching for faith community organization foster care program leaders.
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Would it be possible to connect with a clergy member currently engaged with Every Child TN?
Yes! By completing the connect form, you will receive a follow up from an Every Child TN representative who will have recommendations for connection.
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What types of faith communities can participate?
All communities of all faiths are welcome to participate with Every Child TN!
From Tennesseans
“Church of God in Christ is fully committed to children impacted by the foster care system by showing up. We do not see these children as the government’s problem; we see them as our children and are dedicated to meeting their needs. Our community has been forever changed by this service, and we believe there is nothing closer to the heart of God than caring for these vulnerable children.”
Bishop burns
faith leader
“The joy of serving children, youth, and families before, during and after foster care has become central to the heart of Church of the City. Our community has responded to James 1:27 by hosting foster family recruitment events, providing WRAP team support to existing foster families, gifting cars to youth aging out of foster care, weekly caring for DCS caseworkers, and offering essentials through our foster care closet. Through this commitment to the most vulnerable, we witness life transformation, generational change and gospel impact. God the Father calls caring for the most vulnerable “pure.” We are honored to love and care for the most vulnerable in our city.”
darren
Faith leader
“Churches and faith communities are integral in caring for and supporting foster families. Walking alongside these families in simple, meaningful ways is pivotal to their success and longevity. It’s about showing up. Not everyone is called to foster, but we can all do something to care for vulnerable children in our community.”
elizabeth
faith leader
Learn more about the Governor’s Initiative
The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative helps support our work with faith leaders. The Governor’s Initiative works with organizations across the state to mobilize volunteers and support child welfare goals. Learn more about the Governor’s Initiative.
