Strengthening Minds. Uplifting Families. National Foster Care Month 2026

Each year, the Children’s Bureau partners with advocates and ambassadors from federal, state, tribal, and local agencies to develop the National Foster Care Month campaign. The theme for 2026 is “Strengthening Minds. Uplifting Families.” This year, there is a deep focus on the intersection of mental health and the foster care system, highlighting three core goals:

  • Mental Health Support: Taking a holistic and culturally responsive approach to the emotional well-being of youth, birth parents, and caregivers.
  • Reunification & Stability: Viewing foster care as a support service for families, where kin, like-kin, and foster parents work in a co-parenting partnership with birth parents toward reunification when that is a safe and viable option.
  • Culturally Responsive Care: Ensuring that support systems actively honor and adapt to the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and identities of all Wisconsin families.

The Wisconsin Commitment: Putting Families First

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) is fully aligned with the federal Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). Through the state’s “Putting Families First” initiative, Wisconsin is transforming the child welfare system to provide more in-home supports and resources for kin and like-kin providers whenever a child cannot safely remain at home.

This mission is carried out through a collaborative network across the state:

  • County Foster Care Agencies: Providing localized support and streamlined licensing for relatives and foster parents within Wisconsin’s 72 counties.
  • Tribal Foster Care Agencies: Upholding tribal sovereignty and ensuring compliance with both the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA).
  • Child Placing Agencies (CPAs): Private organizations that partner with the state to provide treatment foster care and clinical services and supports for youth with higher-level emotional, behavioral, or medical needs.

Whether honoring the sovereignty of our 11 Federally Recognized Tribal Nations, or supporting the unique identities of our Black, Hmong, Hispanic, and multi-racial communities, Wisconsin is committed to care that is culturally meaningful and respects the heritage of every child.

2026 Key Information

  • Observance Period: May 1–31, 2026
  • National Foster Care Day: May 5, 2026
  • The Goal: Raising awareness for the over 368,500 children in U.S. foster care and honoring the families and professionals who provide them with stability.

By supporting collaborative relationships and connections between birth families, kin, like-kin, and foster parents, you are building a loving bridge to reunification and empowering youth to reach their full potential.

We want to thank you for the role you play in strengthening the minds of children and youth and all you do to uplift and empower them to reach their full potential. By focusing on supporting cooperative, co-parenting relationships among birth families, kin, and like-kin, you are building a loving bridge to reunification.

Is Becoming a Foster Parent in Your Future Plans?

Have you been thinking of becoming a foster parent but didn’t know how to get started? Call the Coalition at 414-475-1246 or email us at info@coalitionforcyf.org.

Our Resource Specialists can answer your questions about how you can begin your fostering journey and connect you directly to the appropriate foster care licensing agencies in your area. You can download our Foster Care Information Packet in English or Spanish to learn more about the different ways you can make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth in foster care in Wisconsin.

Hands Around the Capitol: All Hands on Deck for Children, Youth & Families

A Youth Advisory Council-driven, lived experience-powered event at the State Capitol Building (2 E. Main Street, Madison) on Thursday, May 28. Tabling begins at 11:00 AM, guest speakers at Noon, and the joining of hands at 12:45 PM.
Questions? E-mail DCFILCoordinator@wisconsin.gov

Recommended Resources

Tip Sheets

From the Lending Library

  • In Their Own Words: Reflections on Parenting Children with Mental Health Issues: The Effect on Families, by Linda Grillo, Dee Meaney, & Christine Rich
  • Healing Moments in Psychotherapy, by Daniel J. Siegel & Marion Solomon
  • Acceptance: A Memoir, by Emi Nietfeld
  • Lost in Child Welfare, by Ashley Stokes

Training From the Champion Classrooms

Additional Resources