This month, foster care advocates across the country will be celebrating National Foster Care Month in hopes of raising awareness about the needs of children in foster care and highlighting the good work being done on their behalf.

Over 423,000 children are currently in foster care in the U.S.  Of these, 115,000 are waiting to be adopted.  It is important that we devote resources to ensuring these children can be moved into safe and loving homes to experience the stability and hope for a future that each child wants and deserves.

To show support for this important issue, President Obama issued a National Foster Care Month proclamation which states, “Progress in America can be measured by the opportunities we pass on to our children.  For nearly half a million youth in foster care across our country, the best path to success we can give them is the chance to experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive.  During National Foster Care Month, we renew our commitment to ensuring a brighter future for foster youth, and we celebrate the selfless individuals who make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

I want to encourage you to use this month as an opportunity to get more involved in this effort in hopes of improving the lives of children in foster care forever.  It does not take much to make a difference—here are some easy ways you can celebrate this month:

• Post on your twitter or facebook about the needs of children in foster care and encourage others to step forward
• Attend an information session at your local Child and Family Services office to learn about mentoring, fostering, or adopting
• Encourage your local, state, and federal elected officials to show their support through media or event appearances
• Ask your community group, local organizations, or church to highlight foster children during this month

For other ideas and information, visit the National Foster Care Month website, Adoption.com, or the Child Welfare Information Gateway.