
AZ Friends of Foster Care: Championing the Well-being of Arizona’s Most Vulnerable Children Case Studies: Transforming Lives Data-Driven Impact Tips for Supporting Children in Foster Care Resources for Foster Parents and Caseworkers
Arizona Friends of Foster Care (AZFFC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in Arizona’s foster care system. Since its inception in 1989, AZFFC has provided a beacon of hope for over 15,000 children by offering a comprehensive array of services and support.

Unwavering Commitment to Foster Care
According to the Arizona Department of Child Safety, there are approximately 15,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system at any given time. These children have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse, and they require specialized care and support to heal and thrive.
AZFFC believes that every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. The organization works tirelessly to ensure that children in foster care have access to essential services, including:
- Case management: Providing individualized support and guidance to children and families navigating the complex foster care system.
- Mentoring: Matching children with caring adults who offer emotional support, guidance, and role modeling.
- Educational assistance: Offering academic support, tutoring, and financial aid to help children succeed in school.
- Health care: Connecting children with health insurance, medical screenings, and dental care.
- Legal services: Advocating for children’s rights in court and representing them in legal proceedings.
Empowering Foster Parents and Caseworkers
In addition to supporting children, AZFFC plays a vital role in empowering foster parents and caseworkers who dedicate their lives to caring for children in need. The organization offers a variety of training, resources, and support to help foster parents and caseworkers provide optimal care to foster children.
Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
AZFFC actively advocates for policy changes that improve the lives of children in foster care. The organization works closely with state legislators, child welfare professionals, and community partners to promote policies that:
- Increase funding for foster care services.
- Improve the quality of care provided to foster children.
- Reduce the time children spend in foster care.
- Provide support for foster parents and caseworkers.
A Call to Action
The work of AZ Friends of Foster Care is essential to the well-being of Arizona’s most vulnerable children. The organization relies on the support of individuals, businesses, and community organizations to continue providing vital services to children in need.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Become a foster parent: Provide a loving and supportive home to a child in need.
- Become a mentor: Share your time and skills by mentoring a foster child.
- Donate: Make a financial contribution to support AZFFC’s programs and services.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and energy to help AZFFC fulfill its mission.
Conclusion
AZ Friends of Foster Care is a lifeline for children and families in Arizona. The organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting foster children, empowering foster parents and caseworkers, and advocating for policy change makes a profound difference in the lives of thousands of Arizona’s most vulnerable children. By joining forces with AZFFC, you can help ensure that every child in Arizona has a fair chance to reach their full potential.
- John: A young boy in foster care was struggling in school and had difficulty forming relationships. AZFFC provided him with a mentor who helped him improve his grades and develop social skills. John is now a thriving high school student with a bright future.
- Mary: A single mother who became a foster parent was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for a traumatized child. AZFFC provided her with case management services, support groups, and training. Mary now feels confident in her role as a foster parent and is providing a loving and stable home for her foster child.
- Pat: A caseworker who has spent years supporting children in foster care was struggling with burnout. AZFFC provided her with access to therapy and support services. Pat is now able to continue her work with renewed passion and dedication.
- AZFFC has helped over 15,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system since 1989.
- The organization’s mentoring program has matched over 500 children with caring adults.
- AZFFC’s educational assistance program has helped over 1,000 children succeed in school.
- The organization’s advocacy efforts have resulted in several policy changes that have improved the lives of children in foster care.
- Be patient and understanding: Children in foster care have experienced trauma and may have difficulty trusting adults.
- Provide a stable and loving environment: Children in foster care need to feel safe, loved, and supported.
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings: It is important for children in foster care to feel comfortable talking about their experiences and emotions.
- Help them develop relationships: Children in foster care need to form strong relationships with caring adults.
- Support their education: Children in foster care need to have access to quality education and support to succeed in school.
- Arizona Department of Child Safety: https://dcs.az.gov/
- Foster Care Review Board: https://www.azfcrb.org/
- National Foster Care and Adoption Association: https://www.nfcadoption.org/
- Child Welfare League of America: https://www.cwla.org/
- Arizona Friends of Foster Care: https://www.azfriends.org/