Washington’s child welfare agency, DCYF, documented a sharp rise in “critical incidents”—child fatalities or near-fatal overdoses within 12 months of involvement with CPS—from 23 in 2019 to 51 in 2023, with projections reaching 61 in 2024Washington State Department of Health+15Child Welfare Monitor+15Reddit+15. Alarmingly, the proportion of incidents involving fentanyl skyrocketed over that time: from just 4 in 2019, up to 35 in 2024Child Welfare Monitor.

As fall approaches and store shelves fill with notebooks, backpacks, and shiny new lunchboxes, most children feel a familiar blend of excitement and nerves about the first day of school. But for children in foster care, back-to-school season can bring a very different set of emotions—ones that are harder to spot, yet much heavier to carry.

As we move through the sunny days of July, we’re taking a moment to reflect—and say thank you. The first half of the year has been filled with meaningful moments, and it’s all thanks to the heart and generosity of this incredible community.

As we step into the heart of summer, Foster Hearts is buzzing with activity—and we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of our community!

When we think of foster care, we often focus on providing children with a safe and nurturing environment.

May is National Foster Care Month – a time to recognize and celebrate the unwavering dedication of foster parents, kinship caregivers, every single day. 💛

Cuts to foster care in WA

Mother’s Day in Foster Care