WHAT GETS US OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
There are over 600 children waiting in Delaware's foster care system. Each one of them deserves a safe, loving, and permanent family in which they can thrive.
 
 Scroll down to hear from our Executive Director, Meg Garey!
 
 WHY DO WE SUPPORT FAMILIES FOR LIFE?
To put it simply, adoptive families need lifetime support to be successful. The journey doesn't end once the adoption is complete, guardianship has been granted, or a family has been reunified-it's just beginning, and we are there every step of the way.
  
 Our children have experienced significant trauma, abuse, and neglect that has impacted their brain development. Because they are unable to regulate their behavior, both the children and their caregivers need the specific training and support that we offer for life, at no cost to them. Without these resources, our children are at a higher risk for failed adoptions, trafficking, addiction, houselessness, abuse, and incarceration.
  
 Our post-permanency services help families facing a wide range of challenges.  We offer a support array that allows us to help families when crises arise, help them advocate for their child’s academic needs, provide parent coaching, connect them with mental health resources, and navigate birth family connections. Ongoing training is essential for parents caring for children who have experienced trauma. Therefore, we offer monthly webinars and support groups, along with training series and workshops. Many of our families need respite but struggle to find people or programs equipped to care for their children’s unique needs. Our nationally recognized Rec-n-Respite program and Family Respite services offer parents valuable time for self-care while providing fun, therapeutic support for the children.

Photo 1 caption: Parent testimonial on importance of out post-permanency support services.
 

"As part of our volunteer efforts, our Knights of Columbus Council volunteers monthly for A Better Chance for Our Children’s award-winning, Rec-n-Respite program.  The program provides respite care for parents and brings the kids together for fun.  We are fortunate enough to plan activities, interact with the kids, and enjoy the fun!

One April, we made and decorated kites and then attempted to fly them. Unfortunately, there was no wind. Everyone was running around trying to get their kite in the air, but as soon as they stopped running, the kites came down.

One boy, who is always exceedingly kind but extremely timid, always enjoyed activities where we made things fly, whether paper airplanes or Styrofoam gliders.  He diligently made his kite and then tried to fly it.  No one else’s kite got up in the air, but just as he started running, the wind blew, and his kite soared.   The other kids were amazed!  We were astonished.  He was so proud, and we all could not have been happier!"
 
 - John, Board Member and Volunteer

 

Photo 2 caption: Wilmington Rec-n-Respite

Photo 3 caption: Rock painting at Rec-n-Respite in Milford.

WHO IS ABCFOC?
Our senior team members bring over 20 years of experience working with children in Delaware’s foster care system, as well as licensed therapists with expertise regarding the specific challenges that our children face. Additionally, our staff and board include adoptive parents and individuals who experienced foster care themselves, bringing invaluable perspectives and insights to the families we support.
  

Photo 4 caption: Most of the team at our holiday party last year.