Some adoptive, foster, and kinship families experience a lot of support at the beginning of their journey. But what most people don’t realize is that they need support throughout their parenting journey. Even when they take their 23rd placement or finalize an adoption. They need support.

Here are 25 ways YOU can support adoptive, foster, and kinship families:

1. Mow the lawn or help with lawn care on a regular basis.
2. Set up a monthly/weekly time to drop off a meal (first Tuesday of every month, etc.)
3. Clean out the fridge
4. Set up a meal train for freezer meals
5. Do a load of laundry: You could either stay and play with kids while you wait for it to dry, or take it overnight and bring it back the next day, clean & folded.
6. Take one or two children to the park so a parent can be with another child one-on-one.
7. Clean a bathroom
8. Mop and vacuum the floor
9. Drop off groceries (quick and easy snack foods, fruits and veggies, etc)
10. Be an ‘on call’ person in case a kiddo is having a hard day and parents need some extra help (especially single parents!)
11. Help with basic car maintenance
12. Offer occasional child care
13. Bring coffee and conversation without judgment
14. Help with errands on a certain day/week of the month 
15. Buy gift cards for parents to have a monthly date night
16. Provide childcare for regular date nights
17. Wash and change the linens
18. Clean the oven
19. Bring donation items to a thrift shop for them
20. Clean out and organize the pantry
21. Send a note of encouragement
22. Spruce up the front or back porch for a place to unwind
23. Offer homework help
24. Become a mentor for a child
25. Become a certified babysitter for a foster parent

Are you a foster/adoptive parent? Comment below ways that YOU have been supported by friends and family.