Child welfare is a system in the United States designed to keep children safe and support families. If you are a refugee or newcomer, understanding how this system works can help you protect your children, understand your rights, and know how to access support if concerns arise including what may lead to a report, what happens during an investigation, and what to expect if a case goes to court.
The resources found here are designed to help you stay safe and support your family from preventing and recognizing abuse or neglect, to helping your children identify trusted adults they can turn to, to understanding foster care: how it works, what your rights are as a parent, and the support available for youth who are currently in foster care or aging out of it. All services listed here are available to refugees and newcomers regardless of immigration status.
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RESOURCES: Foster Care
Foster Care
Foster Care
Resource Type: Website
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway
Languages: English
Description: This website explains what foster care is, what types of placement options exist such as foster homes, kinship care, and group homes, what happens while a child is in care, and how families can work toward reunification.
Kinship Care and the Child Welfare System
Kinship Care and the Child Welfare System
Resource Type: PDF
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway
Languages: English
Description: This resource explains the option of placing children with relatives or close family friends rather than strangers when they cannot live at home. Describes the rights and responsibilities of kinship caregivers.
The Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program
The Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program
Resource Type: Website
Source: Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
Languages: English
Description: This official government website describes the URM foster care program specifically designed for refugee youth who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or guardian. Explains what services and protections are available.
National Foster Care & Adoption Directory
National Foster Care & Adoption Directory
Resource Type: Website
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway
Languages: English
Description: This searchable directory to help families find foster care and adoption agencies, support groups, and other resources in their state.
How to Explain Foster Care to Kids | What Is #FosterCare for Kids?
How to Explain Foster Care to Kids | What Is #FosterCare for Kids?
Resource Type: Video
Source: Jeannette Yoffe
Languages: English
Description: A child-friendly animated video children (ages 4 to 10) created by a psychotherapist and former foster youth. It explains in simple compassionate terms why children are placed in foster care, what a case plan is, and how families are supported. Widely used by social workers and foster families.
Support for Youth In or Aging Out of Foster Care
What Are Your Rights While in Foster Care?
What Are Your Rights While in Foster Care?
Resource Type: PDF
Source: Foster Club
Languages: English
Description: This two-page resource provides easy to understand rights of youth in foster care as well as in depth descriptions of each right. The document also includes pro tips to help youth understand how to address violations of rights.
Your Rights, Your Life - A Guide for Youth in Foster Care
Your Rights, Your Life - A Guide for Youth in Foster Care
Resource Type: PDF
Source: Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families
Description: This 20-page resource walk through your rights in foster care, what court proceedings operate, a glossary of legal terms, how to navigate systems, and what are the responsibilities of case managers.
Independent Living and Transitioning from Foster Care
Independent Living and Transitioning from Foster Care
Resource Type: Website
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway
Languages: English
Description: This website offers information and tools for youth aging out of foster care, covering housing assistance, educational support, job readiness, and healthcare options.
Youth Move National
Youth Move National
Resource Type: Website
Source: Youth Move National
Languages: English
Description: This website showcases a youth-led organization that advocates for young people in the mental health and child welfare systems. Connects youth with peer support, leadership opportunities, and advocacy resources.
Aging Out of Foster Care | One to One
Aging Out of Foster Care | One to One
Resource Type: Video
Source: City University of New York
Languages: English
Description: This video shows real young people sharing their honest stories of aging out of foster care. An eye-opening, relatable video for teens currently in care or approaching their transition to adulthood. This is a good video for teens.
The Power of Being Seen: We Can Transform the Child Welfare System
The Power of Being Seen: We Can Transform the Child Welfare System
Resource Type: Video
Source: TEDx
Languages: English
Description: This video is a moving TEDx talk from a former foster youth who shares how one caring adult changed his life and calls on communities to do more for young people in care. Ideal for older teens, youth advocates, and families.