Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and connected. During National Foster Care Month this May, Boys Town New England is taking time to highlight what it truly means to support children and teens in foster care and the families who care for them.
Foster care is often misunderstood as simply providing a temporary place for a child to stay. In reality, it is about much more. It is about building trust, creating stability and helping young people feel secure during some of the most uncertain times in their lives.
“At its core, foster care is about connection,” said Marcy Shyllon, Executive Director of Boys Town New England. “It’s about helping children feel safe, helping families feel supported and creating an environment where kids can begin to heal and grow.”
Why Foster Care Awareness Month Matters
National Foster Care Month shines a light on the thousands of children and youth who need safe, stable homes, as well as the foster parents, kinship caregivers and professionals who step up to support them. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing need for more foster families across New England.
Behind every placement is a child navigating change. There are new environments, new routines and often complex emotions. What makes the difference is not just having a home, but having the right support system in place.
Supporting the Whole Family
At Boys Town New England, foster care services are built on the belief that children do best when they are surrounded by caring adults and strong support systems. That means focusing not only on the child, but also on the foster parents and caregivers.
Foster families are not expected to do this work alone. They are supported with practical tools, guidance and encouragement to help them navigate challenges and build strong, healthy relationships with the children in their care.
“Children in foster care need more than placement,” Shyllon said. “They need consistency, trust and adults who are committed to walking alongside them every step of the way.”
Building Stability and Lasting Connections
The goal of foster care is not just short term safety. It is long term stability. Whether that means reunification with family, adoption or another permanent living arrangement, every effort is made to ensure children have lasting connections they can rely on.
Through its foster care and adoption services, Boys Town New England works to:
- Help children adjust to new environments
- Strengthen relationships between children and caregivers
- Equip foster parents with effective parenting tools
- Support permanency and long term stability
This approach ensures that children are not defined by disruption, but instead are supported toward a future filled with hope and opportunity.
A Community Effort
Supporting children in foster care takes more than one person or one organization. It requires a community. Families are willing to open their homes, professionals are committed to providing care and neighbors are ready to step forward.
“Foster care is truly a collective effort,” Shyllon said. “When families, services and communities come together, we can create better outcomes for children and youth.”
How You Can Make a Difference
Foster Care Awareness Month is a chance to take action. Whether you are considering becoming a foster parent, supporting a family you know or simply learning more, there are many ways to get involved.
By raising awareness and strengthening support for foster families, we can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to feel safe, valued and connected.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or supporting foster care efforts in New England, Boys Town New England is here to help guide you every step of the way.