Federal data paints a stark picture of foster care in America: only 57 licensed foster homes exist for every 100 children in care. That shortage means some kids spend nights in shelters, hotels, or office buildings instead of a family’s home. The “A Home for Every Child” campaign launched in November 2025 and runs through September 2027, with all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico enrolled. States that improve their child-to-home ratio the most can earn millions in cash rewards, and administrative paperwork relief comes with participation.
Tennessee is one of the early participants showing measurable progress. The state still needs 3,081 additional foster families to reach a one-to-one ratio, but its four-part plan focused on prevention, recruitment, retention, and transition support for youth aging out of care produced a 7% quarterly increase in foster families. Advocates there say the momentum comes from ordinary people saying yes to whatever they can offer.
That’s the takeaway for Suncoast listeners too. Tiffany Kelly of Tennessee Kids Belong asks people one question: “What’s your yes?” It might be fostering, but it could also be volunteering as a CASA advocate, providing meals, helping with yard work, or joining the Foster-Friendly app as a business offering discounts to foster families. As Lindsay Coleman puts it, “I’ve never met a foster parent who’s regretted their decision.” What small yes could you say this month?
