This article outlines free and discounted resources available to foster and adoptive families, based on information from a dedicated resource guide. The information focuses primarily on the United States, with specific state-level programmes and nationwide services. The guide emphasises that families should verify all details directly with the relevant organisations, as availability and terms are subject to change.
The guide presents a range of resources, from practical supplies like clothing and nappies to services such as therapy and educational support. It is structured into nationwide offerings and state-specific programmes. The focus is on making fostering more affordable and accessible by connecting families with available support.
Nationwide Resources for Foster Families
Several organisations and programmes offer support that is available across the United States. These resources cover basic needs, financial savings, and emotional support for both children and caregivers.
Groceries and Essential Supplies
Foster families can access discounts on essential goods and services through various programmes.
- Amazon Prime Access: A 50% discount on Amazon Prime membership is available to households enrolled in qualifying government assistance programmes. To qualify, applicants must be prepared to upload verification for one of the following: Supplemental Security Income, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, Direct Express Debit Card (DE), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC), or a Tribal assistance eligibility letter (TTANF). The guide references a separate article detailing the application process for this discount.
- WIC Programme: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritional support. The guide notes that all foster children are eligible for free school meals, which means all foster families qualify for related benefits.
- National Diaper Bank Network: This network provides access to nappy assistance. Families in need can call 2-1-1 or search online at 2-1-1.org to find a local agency that may provide nappies and other basic necessities. Specialists are available 24/7 to help identify local resources.
- Cloth Diaper Option, Inc: This organisation offers a free set of reusable cloth nappies to families. Newborns receive 20 cloth nappy changes, infants receive 15 changes, and potty-training toddlers receive 10 changes. The guide states this is sufficient for full-time cloth nappy use with daily washing.
Connectivity and Technology
The Affordable Connectivity Programme (ACP) is mentioned as a resource for internet and device discounts. Eligible households can receive: * Up to a $30/month discount on internet service. * Up to a $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands. * A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment between $10 and $50). * A low-cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP.
Mental Health and Support Services
Support for mental health is available for foster parents, foster youth, and their families.
- Foster Source: This organisation offers services including training, relief services, and therapy for foster parents. Free resources include car seats, diapers, weighted blankets, mattresses, bunk beds, and respite care. Individual therapy is provided through BetterHelp, services for teens (age 13 and above) are available through TeenCounseling, and couples therapy is offered through ReGain.
- A Home Within: This organisation provides open-ended, individual psychotherapy free of charge to current and former foster youth. Licensed therapists offer weekly, one-to-one therapy to a single foster youth for as long as it is needed, creating a consistent support anchor.
- The Restore Network: This network offers the Foster & Adopt 201 Workshop. The workshop is open to all families enrolled in PRIDE training to become foster families and to all current foster families. Attendance activates support from the Restore Network.
Retail and Material Goods
Discounts and free items are available through specific retailers and organisations.
- Once Upon a Child: This is a resale shop for children's clothing and items with locations across the United States. The guide notes that some locations may offer an additional discount for foster families, but this is unverified. Families are advised to call their local store to inquire.
- Big Hearts Clothing Closet: This nonprofit organisation, under Heritage Christian Center, supports foster care parents by allowing them to shop for free for barely used items needed when accepting a new placement. Items available include clothes, books, games, toys, baby gear, and furniture. Foster parents can borrow and return items or choose to keep them. To receive a referral, families can email [email protected] or call 970-614-8660.
- Closet 1:27: Managed by The James Project, this closet serves foster families throughout Sangamon County. Through donations, it provides clothing, shoes, beds, bedding, and necessities to newly placed foster children.
Financial and Cashback Opportunities
While not specific to foster families, the guide mentions cashback applications as a way to save money on online shopping.
- Rakuten: This cashback app is recommended for general online shopping savings. The guide states that users can earn hundreds of dollars annually through such apps.
Educational and Youth Support
Programmes exist to support the educational and extracurricular needs of foster youth.
- America’s Kids Belong (AKB): This organisation works to connect foster families with free and discounted resources across America to make fostering more affordable. It operates a Foster Friendly app for residents of Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Dakota, Tennessee, or Virginia to find local resources, free items, and discounts.
- Ticket to Dream: This organisation aims to bring resources, essential items, and childhood fun to foster youth. It partners with over 200 non-profits to disperse collected items, fund support programmes, and help enrol children in extracurricular activities.
- iFoster: This platform provides access to hundreds of free and deeply discounted products and services through partnerships with companies, government agencies, and non-profits nationwide. It is designed to meet the needs of children and youth in care.
State-Specific Programmes
The guide highlights resources available in specific states. The following are examples provided.
Colorado
- Foster Source: In addition to the nationwide services mentioned, Foster Source in Colorado offers training, relief services, and therapy. Free items available include car seats, diapers, weighted blankets, mattresses, bunk beds, and respite care.
- YMCA of the Rockies: This organisation offers lodging at 50% of the published non-member rates for individual families in cabins, lodges, yurts, or campgrounds. The discount is available for stays with or without bringing a foster child, and families do not need to be actively fostering. However, they must have an active foster licence.
Illinois
- SPIDER (Service Provider IDentification and Exploration Resource): This is a free, comprehensive service resource database for youth and families in Illinois. It connects users to nearby organisations offering programs and services, with detailed information on over 1,700 agencies and 4,200 social service programs. Services include mental health, caregiver support, educational advocacy, vocational training, mentoring, and enrichment programmes.
Conclusion
The provided resource guide outlines a variety of free and discounted resources for foster and adoptive families in the United States. These resources span essential supplies like nappies and clothing, financial savings on services like internet and Amazon Prime, and critical support services including therapy and educational programmes. The guide stresses the importance of direct verification with organisations, as offers are subject to availability and change. It also highlights both nationwide programmes and state-specific resources, with a particular focus on states like Colorado and Illinois. Families are encouraged to utilise these resources to alleviate the financial pressures associated with fostering and to access necessary support for both caregivers and children.