How Churches Can Care Well for Foster Families—And the Kids in Their Pews

On our most recent Women in Youth Ministry podcast, kids minister (and foster mom) Jennifer Weaver shared practical ways congregations can wrap around foster families and the children they’re loving.  When churches become trauma-informed, protect confidentiality, and offer practical wraparound support, foster kids and their caregivers experience the gospel as good news right now.

Here is a look at some of the major points we discussed on that episode!

Lead with dignity, not saviorism

Skip “they’re lucky to have you.” Center the child’s and family’s dignity. Celebrate progress, and remember the system’s primary aim is safe reunification when possible. Pray for kids, foster parents, caseworkers, and biological families—without sharing private details.

Get trauma-informed and adjust the environment

Many kids in care carry sensory overload and chronic stress.

• Create a gentle on-ramp: a named point person, a clear plan for “first Sunday,” and a brief orientation for caregivers.
  
• Provide sensory supports: quiet space, noise-reducing headphones, fidgets, visual schedules, and predictable routines.
  
• Train volunteers in connection before correction, consent-based interactions, and calm, consistent transitions.
  

Protect confidentiality—seriously

In most jurisdictions, churches may not post identifiable images of children in foster care.

• Use “no photos” badges or seat markers.
  
• If your photographer captures groups, post only non-identifying images (backs of heads, stickers over faces) unless you have written permission from the caseworker/guardian.
  

Make entry obvious and simple

Placements happen fast. Remove friction.

• Put next steps on your website: where to park, check-in locations, service times, accessibility notes, and who to contact in Kids/Youth.
  
• Offer a short intake form for needs, triggers, and accommodations (kept confidential and shared only with trained leaders).
  

Offer wraparound care that actually helps

Practical support lowers stress and increases stability.

• Meal trains for 2–4 weeks after a new placement.
  
• A stocked foster closet (or partner with one): clothing by size, new underwear/socks, hygiene kits, backpacks, car seats, bedding, and comfort items.
  
• Welcome baskets
  
  • For kids: soft blanket, nightlight, journal, age-appropriate Bible/storybook, small toy or seasonal shirt.
    
  • For caregivers: gift cards, snacks, self-care items, a note from your church.
    
• Transportation help for midweek programs, appointments, and family visits when possible.
  

Disciple the whole household

Foster care is intergenerational ministry.

• Keep age-appropriate Bibles and curriculum on hand—don’t assume families have them.
  
• Invite teens to serve alongside trusted adults; meaningful roles build belonging.
  
• Provide pastoral check-ins and vetted counseling referrals for caregivers navigating grief, uncertainty, and burnout.
  

Words that build belonging

Use people-first, shame-free language (“child in foster care,” not labels). Avoid speculation about a child’s history. In prayers, speak broadly: “God, hold children in care, foster and biological families, and those who serve them.”

Start this month: pick one

• Launch a meal train roster.
  
• Publish your Kids/Youth first-time guide with a named contact.
  
• Assemble five welcome baskets.
  
• Partner with a local foster-care closet and host a drive.
  

When the Church listens, adapts, and wraps around families, belonging becomes tangible—and healing has room to grow.