Each May, our nation honors National Foster Care Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other community members who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. It is also a time to recognize that we can each make a difference in the lives of young people in our child welfare system. 

Entering foster care can be a traumatic experience for many children. That’s why working to support struggling families, before the situation necessitates a child’s removal, is a key strategy to reducing the number of youth in the foster care system, and the number of children who then deal with the emotional trauma of removal. With more than 3,400 Montana children in foster care, many organizations are focused on how child welfare systems can support and strengthen families, prevent disruption, and promote reunification.

If you are interested in learning more about some of the programs in our state that are involved in this effort, the Center has compiled a comprehensive list of programs approved under the Family First Prevention Services Act.
A Framework for Effectively Partnering with Young People
from the Annie E. Casey Foundation

  • The four components of authentic youth engagement.
  • How to assess the four components of authentic youth engagement. 
  • The benefits of authentic youth engagement. 
  • Where to learn more about supporting youth-adult partnerships.
The Reflections: Stories of Foster Care 
This audio series was developed by the Children’s Bureau's Capacity Building Center for States. These powerful, authentic stories feature youth and child welfare professionals speaking candidly about the importance of authentic relationships and youth engagement within the system. 
Do you know someone transitioning out of the foster care system?

The Child Welfare Information Gateway has information on support services such as college scholarships, employment, financial literacy, housing, mental health, life skills, and finding supportive relationships.
We've got lots more information for you!
The Center’s foster care page features a variety of resources for families involved in the foster care system, including information specific to those affected by ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) and youth transitioning out of care.
The Center for Children, Families & Workforce Development partners with the child protection, health, educational, and judicial systems to develop and deliver educational and training resources to professionals and caregivers statewide. We also conduct research that focuses on solving problems that impact children and families. Support comes from the University of Montana's College of Health and School of Social Work.