The state of Tennessee has over 8,500 children who are in the foster care system through no fault of their own, with the number continuing to increase rapidly post-pandemic. Of these children, approximately 400 are legally free for adoption, and the rest need a loving, safe, and supportive foster family to care for them while they wait to go home to their biological families.
While these statistics are daunting, together the people of Tennessee can make a significant difference. Says Tiffany Kelley, Associate Director with Tennessee Kids Belong, “Regardless of your occupation, skillset, and talents you have a unique ability to serve and impact foster care in a positive way. We can
help individuals and families navigate the steps and provide support to those who say ‘yes.’”
Since launching the Tennessee chapter of the I Belong Project™ in 2016 with the Department of Children’s Services, Tennessee Kids Belong has created individualized videos for over 600 children, with close to 400 kids now in their forever homes.
Taking its mission one step further, Tennessee Kids Belong is helping lead TN Fosters Hope, a statewide collaborative campaign launched last year engaging state agencies, community organizations, the business community, and churches to elevate high-quality care and opportunities for children and
families impacted by foster care and adoption.
They identify “four spheres of influence” - business leaders, faith leaders, creative leaders, and government leaders who individually or collectively can make a meaningful impact in the lives of these children. Tennessee Kids Belongs works to build foster-friendly communities by engaging local churches, businesses, community organizations, and government officials to support all children and families impacted by foster care. Notes Executive Director Kristin Allender, "While there are a variety of reasons for high turnover in foster parenting, one often-cited reason is totally preventable - lack of community and social
support. We believe that can change and every facet of our communities can be part of the solution."
Churches, for example, can begin to wrap around each child and family in foster care, businesses can offer opportunities and discounts that allow children to be children, and foster parents are able to practice self-care so they can continue fostering – resulting in there being enough homes in a community so teens aren’t
being placed hours away.
Says Tiffany, “We have a desperate need for more families to step up. We are all in this together, and together we can make a difference. We are doing everything we can to equip the community to drastically improve the experiences and outcomes for children in foster care.” TNKidsBelong.org TNFostersHope.TN.GOV