Utah Kids Belong

09/18/2023

Introducing the re-launch of the Foster Friendly App in Utah, in collaboration with First Lady Abby Cox’s initiative, which encourages Utahns to actively engage with their communities and support one another. The Foster Friendly App is designed to provide valuable services and exclusive discounts for foster families across the state of Utah. We understand that foster families have a unique perspective on the world, and sometimes, external support can make a world of difference.
With over 150 participating businesses throughout Utah, these establishments are dedicated to being foster friendly. They want you to know that they recognize, support, and deeply appreciate your vital role in our community.
If you are a foster parent in Utah who hasn’t yet activated their Foster Friendly App account, we encourage you to take this opportunity to do so. Download the app today to check if your state is eligible for these foster-friendly services.
To receive a link for downloading the app, simply visit the link provided below. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of foster families in Utah. Together, we can strengthen our communities and provide much-needed support to those who deserve it most.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/foster-friendly/id1527363892

Utah Kids Belong State Director Brit Murdock announces the re-launch of the Foster Friendly App in partnership with the First Lady Abby Cox's initiat...

09/18/2023

📣 America’s Kids Belong is thrilled to introduce Brit Murdock as the new State Director for Utah, alongside the exciting re-launch of the Foster Friendly App in Utah, in collaboration with First Lady Abby Cox initiative, dedicated to supporting foster care.

Get to know our dedicated leader for Utah ⬇️

👉🏽 Brit Murdock is committed to elevating and revitalizing programs and assistance throughout Utah. With her background as a social worker, foster parent, and business owner, Brit brings profound insight into child welfare, trauma, and the crucial importance of supporting families who open their homes to vulnerable children.

We warmly welcome Brit to the America’s Kids Belong family, and we extend our gratitude to First Lady Abby Cox for her invaluable partnership in championing the cause of children in foster care.

Help us welcome Brit to the team!👇🏽

02/07/2023

On Danna's bests day she would love to go shopping, hang out with family and friends and have a giant party.

For families outside of Utah, only those families who have a completed home study are encouraged to inquire.

Inquire here: https://americaskidsbelong.org/project/danna/

02/02/2023

Tallure says, "family is important to me because they help & support me."

For families outside of Utah, only those families who have completed home study are encouraged to inquire.

Inquire here: https://americaskidsbelong.org/project/tallure/

01/31/2023

Roben likes Minecraft, Marvel movies, art & anime.

For families outside of Utah, only those families who have a completed home study are encouraged to inquire.

Inquire here: https://americaskidsbelong.org/project/roben/

01/26/2023

"When people see me, I hope they see that I am funny and fun."
Families outside of Utah, only those families who have completed home study are encouraged to inquire.

Inquire here: https://americaskidsbelong.org/project/kaleb/

01/24/2023

Arielle's friends would describe her as fun, cool, and amazing.
Out of state families who have completed their home-study are eligible to inquire.

Inquire here: https://americaskidsbelong.org/project/arielle/

09/03/2022

The tug between foster parents and biological parents on a child’s heart is so real.

I can see it in my foster’s face. I hear it in the words she says.

She wants to be with her bios, but she also wants to stay.

It’s an impossible decision placed on the shoulders of a 10 year old.

She had her first weekend visit and she cried the whole way there saying she can’t believe she’s going to leave “the best people she’s ever known”, but then she cries the whole way home saying “I want to be with my family again”.

It breaks my heart.

She asked if we could take her dad into our home. She offered her room to him and said she’d sleep on the floor if he could stay with us.

There are no words to adequately describe how my heart breaks for her and how much I would love to accommodate her wishes so she could stay here and have all 3 people who are most important to her.

But we can’t and it breaks my heart.
It breaks my heart to lose her and to know it is going to break hers too.

I wish she could have both of the things she wants. I wish she didn’t have to choose.

The tug between foster parents and biological parents on child’s heart is real and hard.

Post originally from:
•

09/01/2022

Sometimes, foster parenting {and just parenting, period} looks ugly. Sometimes all it looks like is a seemingly endless cycle of repeating yourself over and over, back to back time-outs, frustration, and a total depletion your mental and emotional energy.

It looks like wondering if you are even capable, doubting pretty much every life choice that led you to this situation in the first place. It's exhausting and draining..

°But then sometimes, all it looks like is two happy girls laughing and playing on the beach. It looks like a chance to make a real impact on a child's life that could change it forever. It looks like second chances, grace, and love.

°At the end of every day, no matter how hard it may have been-- only one of you actually signed up for this life. You remind yourself that even though you're getting more attitude from a tiny, seven year old child than you ever thought was even possible, you are in fact dealing with a seven year child who didn't ask for any of the things she's been through.

So you take deep breaths -maybe a glass of wine or two- and then wake up with a softer heart that's ready to try again.

Post originally from Maria Sisk

08/30/2022

Yes - babies do experience trauma.

Thank you The Post Institute for this reminder.

08/28/2022

This is foster care It's watching a child grow literally bursting out of the seams of their clothes going from one stage of life to next yet still not knowing for certain what's in store.

08/26/2022

L ate Friday afternoon we were asked to step up for a 9-day-old little girl who needed a soft spot to land for a little while.

We are hoping her family will be able to have her back very soon and we will do our best to be a resource for them as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.

There is such a deep feeling of responsibility we get when a new placement arrives to do this job well and with integrity. We don’t take our role lightly. She and her family deserve our best care and love.

Post authored by