Every year, thousands of young people enter the foster care system in search of stability, support, and a sense of belonging. According to the most recent federal data, there are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. Although foster care is designed to be a temporary system, many children will remain in the system for numerous years, often moving between multiple homes and schools. This instability can take a significant toll on the emotional, social, and educational development of a young person. Despite these challenges, there are also stories of resilience, healing and hope — made possible by loving foster parents, legal advocates, social workers, and dedicated non-profit organizations.
At Kingdom Charitable Trust, we are committed to empowering organizations that provide vital care and support to Florida’s foster youth. One such organization, 4KIDS of Palm Beach, has been a dedicated leader in recruiting and supporting foster families since 2006. Recently, 4KIDS shared a story that beautifully illustrates the many ways a community can come together for a child in foster care.
This heartwarming story of reunification highlights how three families came together to support a baby girl and her birth mother during a difficult time. It began with one couple stepping forward to care for the baby, soon followed by two more families who generously offered their homes, love, and support. Together, they not only provided a nurturing environment for the child but also empowered the birth mother by helping her access essential resources, accompanying her to court hearings, and building a strong network around her. Their collective dedication gave the judge the confidence to order reunification, and just in time for the holidays, the baby was joyfully reunited with her mother.
In Florida, the foster care system operates through a localized, county-by-county model, which allows for more responsive and community-centered support. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees the system in collaboration with local community-based organizations, working to place children in foster homes while prioritizing family reunification or finding stable, long-term placements. According to the U.S. Children’s Bureau, Florida has the second-highest number of children in foster care nationwide, following California. In 2024, the rate per 100,000 of children in foster care (ages 0–17) in Palm Beach County was 292.2, compared to Florida at 464.9.
There is meaningful progress: the number of children entering foster care in Florida dropped by 32% from 2023 to 2024 — a 20-year low, according to MyFLFamilies — likely the result of increased investment in preventative initiatives such as the Family Navigation Program. In 2024 alone, nearly 90% of the 3,526 families served through the program were able to remain together.
To best meet the diverse needs of children and their families, Florida has five distinct types of foster care licenses, ranging from standard foster homes to specialized or therapeutic homes equipped to support children with more complex behavioral, emotional, or medical challenges.
Another valued partner of Kingdom Charitable Trust is Reyna Group Home. Since its founding in 2003, Reyna has been dedicated to serving children with developmental disabilities in Florida’s foster care system, providing the specialized care, structure, and support they need to thrive.
Removing the stigma around foster care starts with understanding that these young people are not defined by their circumstances; they are simply kids in need of compassion, consistency, and a chance to thrive. Whether through becoming a foster parent, supporting a local organization, or simply spreading awareness, we all have a role to play in caring for Florida’s future.
Resources
- KCT podcast episode with LilCrystal Dernier, Family Visitation Program Supervisor for Children’s Home Society — on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
- Becoming a foster parent with 4KIDS — 4kids.us
- Reyna Group Homes — reynagrouphome.org