Volunteering can be a rewarding way to give back to your community and make a lasting impact on the life of a child. If you’re looking for opportunities to support children in need, Foster Care Volunteer Programs offer various avenues to get involved. These programs rely on the kindness and dedication of volunteers to provide crucial assistance to both the children in foster care and the dedicated social workers who support them.
The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Volunteer Program provides numerous ways for individuals to contribute their time and skills. DCFS volunteers play a vital role in supporting both the department’s staff and the families they serve. Your contribution can directly improve the lives of children and strengthen the support system around them.
If you are passionate about making a difference and wish to explore volunteer opportunities with DCFS, reaching out is simple. Express your interest by sending an email including your full name, phone number, and the areas that spark your interest from the list below:
| Ways to Volunteer with DCFS | More Ways to Contribute |
|---|---|
| – Providing Office and Clerical Support | – Running Essential Errands for Staff or Families |
| – Tutoring and Mentoring Children & Youth | – Offering Support to Case Carrying Social Workers (CSWs) |
| – Monitoring Visits between Children and Families | – Completing Important Special Projects |
| – Acting as Cultural Brokers to Bridge Language or Cultural Gaps | – Assisting with Uplifting Holiday Activities for Children |
| – Supporting Staff During Special Events |
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Champion a Child
Another impactful way to volunteer is by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASA of Los Angeles is a respected non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for children within the foster care system. They achieve this by recruiting, carefully screening, professionally training, and providing ongoing supervision to community volunteers.
CASA volunteers are assigned to work with a specific child in foster care, acting as a consistent and supportive presence in their lives. These dedicated advocates guide children through critical aspects of their journey, including striving for permanent and stable placements, ensuring access to quality education, and addressing crucial health and mental health needs. CASA volunteers serve as powerful allies, diligently gathering information, advocating for the child’s best interests within the dependency court system, and acting as invaluable resources for the children they serve.
Learn More About CASA of Los Angeles
Connect Directly with Youth Through Kidsave Volunteer Programs
Kidsave offers a unique and personal approach to volunteering with foster youth. Their core mission is to ensure that children grow up with strong connections to caring and supportive adults. Kidsave provides several volunteer pathways to achieve this vital goal.
You can volunteer to become a “buddy” to a child who is separated from their family, offering friendship and mentorship. Consider making a monthly donation to support Kidsave’s programs. You could also become a mentor, providing guidance and support to a young person. For a more immersive experience, you can even host a child on weekends and holidays, ensuring they don’t face their childhood alone and building meaningful connections.
Explore Kidsave Volunteer Opportunities
Engage Your Faith-Based Organization in Foster Care Support
Faith-based organizations are powerful community hubs and can play a significant role in supporting foster children and families in Los Angeles. There are numerous simple yet effective ways your faith community can get involved and extend a helping hand. From displaying informational flyers and brochures within your congregation to hosting adoption awareness and matching events, the possibilities are diverse. You could even invite foster youth to participate in your church or organization’s activities, fostering inclusion and belonging.
For detailed information and guidance on how your faith-based organization can effectively support children in DCFS foster care, please reach out to Ivonne Crescioni at (626) 229-3778. She can provide tailored suggestions and resources to help you make a meaningful impact.
Donate to the Adoption Trust Fund and Support Forever Homes
If you are looking for a way to contribute financially to support foster care, donating to the Adoption Trust Fund is a valuable option. Donations to this fund directly support initiatives that help children in foster care find permanent, loving “forever homes” through adoption. Your contribution can make a tangible difference in facilitating adoptions and providing resources for adoptive families.
For comprehensive information regarding making a donation to the Adoption Trust Fund, please contact Darlene Harris at the Adoption and Permanency Resources Division at (323) 402-8461. She can answer your questions and guide you through the donation process.
