The family unit is everything, and for those kids who no longer have that safety net, it’s not an easy adjustment. Sometimes, children are removed from their parents because they’re abused, neglected or cannot be cared for. Adoption.com has seven ways to support foster kids without becoming a foster parent:

Compassion In Your Heart

Most take their families for granted, but there are 400,000 in the American foster care system. Courts, social workers and others have a major impact on a child’s welfare when they make decisions on where to place them. Compassion and prayer for kids go a long way.

Signing Up For Respite Care

According to Adoption.com, respite care is one way to begin. Babysitting or watching foster kids in an emergency requires a small step first. Filling out a form and handing a copy of one’s driver’s license is all that’s needed. One can also become licensed for respite care for foster kids in transition.

Giving Foster Family Support

It takes a village to raise a child, and foster parents can use additional help from their community. Foster parents are busy with caseworker visits, tons of paperwork, training sessions, etc. These parents appreciate a welcome meal, someone to vacuum or tutor their foster child, etc.

Give Back To Kids In Need

Being a mentor is immensely rewarding. For example, volunteering with one’s local foster care agency is one way. There are also great rewards working with organizations like Big Brother Big Sister.

CASA Needs More Volunteers

CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocate authorized by the law to give a voice to a child in foster care. It’s an excellent program that brings stability to a foster child. A CASA volunteer is a bridge between the child and the courts.

Donations Go A Long Way

Gently used clothing and a gift of money are helpful donations for these kids who arrive in foster care without their possessions. Kids can always use school supplies, backpacks, toys, etc.

Speaking For The Children

Learning about the foster care system and fighting for children’s rights are about being an advocate.

Speaking to one’s local and state legislatures can have an impact on improving the system and bringing awareness to kids in crisis.