Iowa KidsNet

www.iowakidsnet.com

Iowa KidsNet is a statewide collaboration of agencies dedicated to the safety and permanency of children and families. The organization is currently providing services to address the urgent need for foster and adoptive families.  Iowa KidsNet utilizes a unique, cohesive approach to provide recruitment, training, licensing and support to current and potential foster and adoptive families. They partner with various agencies, the Department of Human Services and families to achieve the best possible outcomes for children.

Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS)

www.dhs.state.ia.us

DHS is responsible for approving families to become foster and adoptive families.  They are also responsible for the selection of approved families for placement of Iowa's foster and adoptive children.

Iowa Friends of Foster Children Foundation

www.iowafosterchildfund.org

The Iowa Friends of Foster Children Foundation provides foster children with the funds they need for those special “extras” in life which they otherwise would not receive.  Some items the Foundation has been able to help foster children obtain include music instruments, summer camps, schools trip and senior portraits.  This foundation is operated by an all-volunteer board; there are no paid staff members.

Elevate - Desire to Inspire

www.elevate2inspire.com

Elevate is a group of young people who are former or current members of the Iowa foster care system.  They seek to increase the public's understanding and compassion regarding the needs of foster and adoptive teens by sharing their personal stories of hope.

National Foster Parent Association

www.nfpainc.org

This national organization supports foster parents through nationwide legislative advocacy, training, education, publications; and networking among foster parents, foster parent associations, and child welfare organizations.

National Foster Care Month (May)

www.fostercaremonth.org

This website provides an opportunity for people to show their appreciation for the dedication of our foster families and workers. It is also an opportunity to get more people involved, whether as foster parents, volunteers, mentors, employers or in other ways.

Casey Family Programs

www.casey.org

Casey Family Services today offers a broad range of programs for vulnerable children and families throughout the Northeast and in Baltimore, Maryland.  This website contains many helpful publications regarding foster care and working with foster youth.

Foster Care Alumni of America

www.fostercarealumni.org

The mission of Foster Care Alumni of America is to connect the alumni community and to transform policy and practice, ensuring opportunity for people in and from foster care.

Annie E. Casey Foundation

www.aecf.org

Annie E. Casey Foundation is an organization dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. The primary mission of the Foundation is to foster public policies, human-service reforms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of today’s vulnerable children and families.

Child Welfare League of America

www.cwla.org

The Child Welfare League of America is committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families, and protecting every child from harm.

National CASA Association

www.nationalcasa.org

The National CASA Association works with community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of neglected and abused children in court.

For more information on foster care, visit our foster care resources section.