Justice Resource Institute Foster Care and Adoption

10/30/2026

Hi folks! We understand that not every family celebrates Halloween. Here are a few fun alternative activities you and your family can participate in.

10/29/2026

How do people find their way to fostering and why do they choose to do it? Tune in. These stories are from Australia, but they transcend nations.

For Foster Care Week 2026, three of Anchor Community Care's foster ...

10/29/2026

Happy Wonderful Wednesday! We have much to celebrate, so get your pompoms ready💙

🎉One of our gentlemen had interviews with two of the most highly sought after universities in the country! He planned to wear his nicest pants and shirt, but Foster Mama M would not have it. She took him to a local shop and bought him a beautiful suit for the event. She reminded him of his worth and that his years of effort merited his first suit! Regardless of the outcome of the meetings, what an incredible accomplishment!

🎉One of our younger buddies has been acing every concept in math class. He sees the work and immediately knows how to solve the problem. Foster Mama P called us to proudly share that he has been taken out of his math class and is now in an honors course! He feels a mix of pride and dismay, b/c there's a bit more homework in his new class, but we're 100% proud!

🎉A new gal joined one of our homes. She arrived with very little clothing, but she brought a huge, joyful, CEO personality! She has had a great time playing dress up and becoming besties with the baby of the household. We're so glad to know you, ma'am!

🎉As we discussed last week, sometimes rules and regulations get in the way of kiddos having age-typical experiences. Foster Dad E advocated for his youngster to be able to go out to a community trick-or-treating event with his friends. Foster Dad will be nearby in case he is needed, but won't have to hover over him, which no teen wants. Thank you to his team for understanding why this is important. Inclusion matters!

🎉Some of our children communicate differently. For one little lady, we know she lives a big life inside her mind, but rarely does she share her thoughts and feelings. She attends a social group for similar children and this week, while in a ball pit, she called out the name of one of her friends! This was the first spontaneous utterance she's made and is a huge milestone. We are overjoyed she feels a bond with another child and that she felt safe enough to say it out loud!

Okay, you know what to do- shake those pompoms and cheer on success in foster care!

10/28/2026

A small reminder that change is possible. Many children and youth in care participate in therapeutic services. These services offer a safe, structured space to process past abuse, neglect, separation from biological families, or sudden moves. Therapy is a wonderful tool which can help teach individuals that their past does not have to define their future.

10/27/2026

If you and your kiddos celebrate Halloween, take a bit of time to help prepare kiddos of all ages for it. Kids need to know what is expected. They may have questions like:

Who will be there?
Where will we go?
When can we eat the candy?
Can I wear my costume to bed?
What if I feel scared?
What if I'm tired/thirsty/have to go to the bathroom?
How long will be be out?
Can I stay home?
Can I just hang out with my friends? Do you (the grownup) need to go with me?

Conversations, a dress rehearsal or two, and social scripts can make all the difference between a great day and a struggle.

Bonus tip: Sneak in some healthy food and hydration before you go out!

10/26/2026

From the UK, but absolutely representative of experiences our kiddos live. Please give it a few minutes of your time. If you feel like you are ready to foster, reach out! We'd love to chat.

In this short video, young people share in their own words what it ...

10/24/2026

If you've ever questioned if your age is a barrier to becoming a foster parent watch on.

Here at JRI Foster Care the only age requirement is that applicants be at least 21 years of age. There is no maximum age limit!

10/23/2026

We missed Wonderful Wednesday, but let's have a Fantastic Friday!

In foster care, unfortunately kids often miss out on some of the hallmarks of childhood due to red tape. Child welfare organizations have a lot of rules and regulations, designed to protect children and minimize risk.

Sleepovers have been denied for years, which is understandable. DCF does not know the host parents, they don't know what the supervision will be, and they are responsible for the safety of the child in their custody. However, for children who have had to sit out or go home early, this has been a source of loss and a bit of heartbreak.

DCF has been working for years to find better ways to allow their young people to be included in age-appropriate milestones. We are so excited that one of our kiddos was invited to a dear friend's birthday sleepover. The child's bio family was consulted, as many bio parents do not permit sleepovers for their own reason. The child's parents wanted their kiddo to feel included and to have this opportunity. DCF did appropriate communications with the hosting parents and it was approved! A kiddo is getting to join their friends for what will hopefully be a great childhood memory!

Let's cheer on childhood joy, inclusion, and growth!

10/22/2026

FAQ:
Q: Can I foster if I already have children?
A: Absolutely! Many foster families include biological, adopted, or other foster children.

10/21/2026

"You’re reminded of your role, and you begin to refocus on the best way to foster this child happily back into their parents’ arms. I’ve learned the only way to do this is to embrace the parents with the same open heart I offer their children."- Peter Mutabazi

https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/were-going-to-miss-you-will-you-visit-us-one-day-it-was-time-to-take-them-home-to-their-parents-for-good-as-i-drove-away-the-tears-came-flooding-single-foster-care-dad-adoption-goodbye-fatherhood/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=page_comment&utm_campaign=2026-10-19_1745&fbclid=IwY2xjawVEVW9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMVBPUWRVNXRLTkM0NVZKckxzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe7HV68ztsH5a4qzSmPRi2hyHW5ciOeUgVvYJoYdKorGaLrxPyvGWqO5nWpVo_aem_vf-9vz-KRhIjsNWdessQ_w

"You love them through the nightmares and trauma. You hold them when their parents don't show up. You love them so dearly, because holding back would be so much less than they deserve. When I return the child I've nurtured as my own, I must trust their parents will be the best they can be. If not, I...