foster care Archives - The Riverside Project

When you step into the world of child welfare, it can feel like learning a new language. Whether you’re a new volunteer, a church partner, a foster parent, or simply someone who wants to understand more, the chances are you’ve come across a sea of letters like DFPS, CPS, PMC, or TBRI® and wondered… what do these even mean?

This guide is a collection of simple, meaningful ways to say, “You’re not alone. We see you. We’re in it with you.”

Whether you’re a neighbor, friend, church, or business, these ideas help create rhythms of care that don’t overwhelm or overstep—but gently remind families that healing happens AS ONE.

“This doesn’t look like what I thought it would.” I hear this statement all the time.

Foster parents, by Texas law, can only use babysitters who are specially trained and certified to care for children in foster care.

As a foster parent, you will have people who love you and people who get you. And sometimes, those who love you the most may get you the least.

Christian & Morgan Nichols are an incredible couple who have been on their foster care journey for over three years.

It’s our responsibility as foster parents to protect our kids. To protect their bodies, yes. But also to protect their stories.

Nicole Davis is the executive director of Operation: Achieve Independence (OAI). OAI focuses on supporting youth aging out of foster care by providing mentoring, life skills training, education, and career preparation.

Drew Knowles is the Rector of Oak Forest Anglican Church in Houston, Texas, and the co-author of “Hospitality: The Convivial Mission of God.”

It’s really pretty simple: God makes room for us, so we make room for others. When Christians resolve to extend to their neighbors the same love and welcome they have received from God, I believe the Kingdom is near at hand.