As National Foster Care Month Begins, Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina Urges Action Amid Shortage, Celebrates 50 Years of Impact

May marks National Foster Care Month, a time to honor the resilience of the more than 390,000 children and youth in foster care across the United States — including nearly 11,000 in North Carolina — and to recognize the families, social workers, and advocates who work tirelessly to provide them with safe, loving homes.

This year, as North Carolina faces a critical shortage of foster families, Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina (FFA-NC) is using National Foster Care Month to highlight urgent needs, rally public support, and mark its milestone 50th anniversary as a trusted advocate for children and families across the state.

“North Carolina’s foster care system is at a breaking point,” said Gaile Osborne, Executive Director of FFA-NC. “With only about 5,400 licensed foster homes and a growing number of children in care, we need the public to step up — whether that’s by fostering, volunteering, donating, or simply supporting foster families in their communities.”

Founded 50 years ago by foster parents, FFA-NC has grown into a peer-led organization that offers critical support beyond recruitment — including advocacy, trauma-informed training, peer mentorship, and practical resources to help families stay strong and reduce burnout.

As Osborne explains: “Fostering can be joyful, but it’s also incredibly hard — and it can be isolating without the right support. That’s why FFA-NC exists: to make sure no family ever feels alone on this journey.”

This National Foster Care Month, FFA-NC is sharing three key messages with North Carolinians:

• Foster families are heroes. They open their homes and hearts to children facing trauma, loss, and uncertainty.

• The need is urgent. Since 2021, North Carolina has seen a 20% drop in licensed foster homes, leaving thousands of children without stable placements.

• Everyone can help. Even if you can’t foster, you can make a difference by volunteering, donating, offering respite care, or advocating for family-centered policies.

As part of its anniversary year, FFA-NC is inviting the public to learn more, get involved, and help ensure every child in care has the chance to thrive. “National Foster Care Month isn’t just about raising awareness,” Osborne added. “It’s about turning that awareness into action. For 50 years, we’ve stood with families — and we need the entire community to stand with us now.”

To learn more about Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina or get involved, visit https://www.ffa-nc.org/.

About Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina

Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina (FFA-NC) is a family-led, nonprofit organization founded by foster parents 50 years ago. FFA-NC provides peer support, advocacy, training, and resources to foster, kinship, and adoptive families statewide. By elevating caregiver voices and driving system change, FFA-NC works to ensure every child has the chance to thrive in a safe, loving home. Learn more at https://www.ffa-nc.org/.

Contact Information

Gaile Osborne

Executive Director

Foster Family Alliance of NC

Contact via E-mail