HELP FOSTER YOUTH

Resources for Current Foster Families

For foster parents and caregivers currently caring for a child or young person: help with everyday needs, caregiver support and practical guidance.

This starter collection includes free online guidance and programs with their own service areas and referral rules. Supplies and respite are not guaranteed; check availability directly. No account is needed to browse.

Hoping to foster, volunteer or learn how to get involved instead? Find Ways to Help

Clothing and Supplies

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Free Twin Beds for Children

Apply for a twin bed for a child who needs a suitable bed. This program is open to eligible families, not only foster families; an application does not guarantee a bed.

Where:
Only ZIP codes served by participating local chapters; not nationwide delivery.
Who:
Children aged 3–17. Your house or apartment must be accessible and have enough room for a bed.
Cost:
Free twin bed for accepted applicants.
How to Access:
Apply on the official page and check your ZIP. Some chapters are not accepting applications. Applicants must be reachable by phone, text or email; accepted applicants sign a release before delivery.
Check Bed Availability

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

Michigan Foster Care Closet

Free Clothing and Supplies

Clothing, shoes, hygiene products and other supplies for children currently in Michigan foster care. Eligible children may shop up to four times a year.

Where:
Michigan foster children; in-person shopping by appointment in Ann Arbor.
Who:
Any child currently in foster care in Michigan.
Cost:
Clothing and supplies are free of charge.
How to Access:
Book an appointment. Bring documentation for each child every visit, such as a dated caseworker referral, emergency medical card or placement papers. A referral is one acceptable document, not the only route.
Book a Closet Appointment

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

The Foster Closet

Free Clothing and Essential Care Items

Appointment-based clothing and essential care items for foster families and relative placements. The provider also serves adoptive families.

Where:
Greater Lafayette, Indiana; local visits only.
Who:
Foster families, relative placements and adoptive families in the Greater Lafayette area.
Cost:
Clothing and essential care items are free; items may not be sold.
How to Access:
Submit the visit form and wait for confirmation before coming. The form requests contact and child details, foster-license and placement-letter uploads. Bring proof of custody for the first visit and each new placement; ask the provider about documentation for your placement type.
Request a Closet Visit

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

Foster Care Support Foundation

Free Clothing and Basic Care Items

Free clothing, shoes, toys, books, school supplies and infant care equipment for children in foster, kinship and relative care across Georgia.

Where:
Statewide Georgia service from headquarters in Roswell.
Who:
Displaced children in Georgia who receive zero to base per diem financial support or comparable SSI. Sibling subsidies and diaper allowances are excluded; the child's caregiver must be a U.S. citizen.
Cost:
Clothing and basic care items are free of charge for eligible children.
How to Access:
Check the official services page for the full eligibility list and how to request items; the provider sets the request process and documentation.
See Services and Eligibility

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

Foster Care Closet of Nebraska

Free New Wardrobes for Youth in Care

Youth in Nebraska foster care choose brand-new outfits, shoes, coats and comfort items at no cost, at entry and every season while they remain in care.

Where:
Permanent Lincoln location plus a statewide Mobile Closet serving Nebraska communities.
Who:
Youth placed under Nebraska wards and eligible court-ordered placements; check the official shopping page for the full list.
Cost:
All wardrobe items are brand-new and free of charge.
How to Access:
Check the official shopping page for shopping steps and appointment details. Youth select up to 5 new outfits each season plus socks, underwear, shoes, a coat, full-sized toiletries and a choice of blanket, backpack and toy subject to availability.
See How to Shop

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

Respite and Caregiver Support

AdoptUSKids

Foster-Parent Support and Respite Guidance

Read guidance on preventing burnout, seeking support, accessing training and understanding your rights. Use it to discuss respite and support with your placing agency.

Where:
Online guidance for U.S. foster parents; not a local respite provider or funding program.
Who:
Current foster parents seeking practical support information.
Cost:
No-cost online reading. Local respite care costs are not confirmed or promised free.
How to Access:
Read the public guidance without an account. Ask your agency about approved respite options, eligibility and availability; this link does not book a caregiver.
Read Foster-Parent Support

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

ARCH National Respite Network & Resource Center

Find Respite Care Near You

Search the National Respite Locator Service to find respite providers and state respite programs in your area. Each provider sets its own rules and availability.

Where:
Nationwide search tool; ARCH does not provide respite care itself.
Who:
Family caregivers seeking short-term relief, including foster parents.
Cost:
Free to search. Provider costs vary and are not promised free.
How to Access:
Search the locator without an account. Contact providers directly or through your State Respite Coalition, and arrange respite through your placing agency when required. Provider costs and rules vary and are not promised free.
Search the Respite Locator

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

National Parent & Youth Helpline

Free 24/7 Support Line for Caregivers

Call or text 855-427-2736 or use live chat for free, confidential emotional support and guidance from trained specialists, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where:
Nationwide phone, text and live chat line.
Who:
Parents, caregivers and others seeking support, including foster caregivers.
Cost:
Free.
How to Access:
Operated by Parents Anonymous. Always free. This is support and guidance, not a substitute for emergency services; for immediate danger use the crisis resources on the Crisis Help page.
Visit the Helpline

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

Training and Practical Guidance

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Supporting a Child After Sexual Abuse

Practical caregiver guidance on responding to disclosure, supporting a child after sexual abuse, discussing body safety and coping with the emotional impact of legal involvement.

Where:
Online caregiver reading and a downloadable document; accessible across all states.
Who:
Parents and caregivers supporting a child affected by sexual abuse, including foster caregivers.
Cost:
No-cost document access; no claim of free therapy or workshops.
How to Access:
Read or download the public document without an account. This is practical guidance, not an accredited course, counseling or a facilitated workshop.
Read the Caregiver Guide

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

Creating a Family

Free Education for Foster and Kinship Caregivers

Free evidence-based articles, fact sheets and a weekly podcast covering foster parenting, trauma and kinship care.

Where:
Online education accessible across all states.
Who:
Foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers and the professionals who support them.
Cost:
Free articles, fact sheets and podcast; separate courses may be paid.
How to Access:
Read articles and fact sheets or listen to the podcast on the main website without an account. Some courses on the organization's separate online-learning site are paid; free education lives on the main site.
Read Free Resources

Official source reviewed October 26, 2026.

For respite, coordinate with the child's placing agency before making care arrangements. Follow its approval, supervision and safety requirements. Help Foster Youth is a directory, not a provider of supplies, respite or services.

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