Become a volunteer
Volunteers are an essential part of Fosterful’s success. They contribute thousands of service hours per year by providing quality childcare for children experiencing foster care - both in the home and in the child welfare office. They also serve as a resource for child welfare offices to call upon when needing extra help for community events such as School Supply and Coat Drives, Holiday Parties, Foster Parent Appreciation Events, and many more.
We hope that volunteers who get involved in foster care at an entry-level might eventually become full-fledged licensed foster homes. But we know that’s not for everyone.
That being said, If you have some availability during weekdays and you can commit to serving one hour per month on an on-call basis in the child welfare office, our Fosterful Companions program is your go-to!
If your availability extends beyond weekdays, you can commit to serving an average of 6 to 10 hours per month, and you’re interested in serving in the homes of one or two foster families on an ongoing basis, our Fosterful Sidekicks program might be a great fit for you!
Check out our current locations or contact our program staff to learn how you can become a volunteer with Fosterful.
Frequently asked questions
What are the volunteer requirements?
Volunteers must be 18 or older, complete a criminal history background check and a nondisclosure agreement provided by the state. Applicants must attend a short training via Zoom or at the nearest child welfare office (if available), which is followed by a yearly online refresher course. Fosterful deploys volunteers using a web-based app, therefore volunteers must have a smart phone to be alerted of available shifts. Contact us to get in touch with your local Volunteer Coordinator and get started.
What is the time commitment?
Fosterful is an on-call volunteer commitment that takes place Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm. We ask that volunteers have a somewhat flexible schedule so that they can volunteer at least once per month, if only for an hour.
Which states does Fosterful currently serve?
Fosterful currently serves Washington and Idaho. Our goal is to operate in every state someday!
How do I get Fosterful started in my area?
Our goal is to grow by 3 to 5 new locations each year. If you are interested in starting a program in your area contact us, or if you are interested in partnering with us financially to help make it happen, donate now.
Employees of a state child welfare agency who would like to see Fosterful at their office can reach out to us to inquire.