Manatee County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association

08/28/2026

Thanks to an amazing local business and their partnership with Foster Love, we have 12 awesome skateboards and helmets to distribute to local foster children.

Email us at [email protected] if a child in your care would enjoy a new skateboard!

08/25/2026

Attention Foster Parents! Do you have a child in your care with a Birthday coming up? We still have a supply of Birthday Boxes, so please be sure to let us know!

We are pleased to share that thanks to a generous sponsor, we now have a supply of Birthday Boxes from Foster Love!

The Birthday Box brings joy to kids in foster care by showing them they are cherished and remembered, while also equipping them with all the essentials for a birthday celebration. From banners to balloons, candles to confetti, it has everything you need to throw a memorable party. Plus, it includes a gift card for a special sweet treat.

If you have a child in your care who has a Birthday coming up, please email us at [email protected] with Birthday Box in the subject line. Be sure to include the foster parent(s) name, licensing agency, placement date, child's first name and birthday and we will be in touch to coordinate pick-up!

We will get a small supply of Birthday Boxes to each of our Board Members, so that we can more easily facilitate distribution. We will update this post once all Birthday Boxes have been distributed.

08/19/2026

The Swimming Lesson Voucher Program is officially back open! 🏊

Eligible Florida families can receive FREE swim lessons for children ages 1-7 through certified swim instructors.

Swimming is a lifesaving skill that helps children build water safety skills and reduce the risk of drowning. Apply for your voucher at FloridaHealth.gov/WaterSmart.

08/06/2026

Manatee County FAPA August Updates: Reminder Training Tonight on Zoom! - https://mailchi.mp/60b5c76467ac/manatee-county-fapa-august-updates-19881392

07/31/2026

https://mailchi.mp/05b3ac587380/manatee-county-fapa-august-updates
Training Title: Creating Safety Through Structure and Nurture

Training Summary: Back to school is full of transitions for our kids and youth. Join us for an empowering conversation with the team from family initiatives on how families can balance structure and nurture to support kids during these difficult transitions.

07/29/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 Florida Children and Families Summit!

From September 9-11, join leaders and professionals from across Florida in Orlando to connect, learn and collaborate on strategies that strengthen services for children and families.

This year’s theme, A Legacy of Shared Purpose, reflects the lasting impact we create through strong partnerships, collective responsibility and unified action.

Make plans to join us and help carry that legacy forward.

Register today >>> https://bit.ly/4ftqlDx

07/26/2026

We are excited to share that there was an increase in the foster care board rate as of July 1. If you have any questions, please post them here so that we can help!

07/23/2026

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