If you're looking for foster care resources in Alabama, various organizations and agencies provide support for foster children, foster families, and those interested in fostering or adopting. Below is a list of key resources: --- ### **1. Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR)** - **Purpose**: Oversees foster care and adoption services across Alabama. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **334-242-1310** - **Website**: [dhr.alabama.gov](https://dhr.alabama.gov) - **Services**: - Licensing for foster families. - Case management and child placement. - Resources for current foster parents. --- ### **2. Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (AFAPA)** - **Purpose**: Supports foster and adoptive families with training, advocacy, and resources. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **888-545-2372** - **Website**: [afapa.org](http://www.afapa.org) - **Services**: - Training and workshops for foster and adoptive parents. - Advocacy for foster care reform. - Peer support and networking opportunities. --- ### **3. Heart Gallery Alabama** - **Purpose**: Helps find adoptive families for children in foster care. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-445-1293** - **Website**: [heartgalleryalabama.com](https://heartgalleryalabama.com) - **Services**: - Promotes adoption of children in foster care. - Photo listings of children available for adoption. - Community outreach to raise awareness about fostering and adoption. --- ### **4. Alabama Children's Aid Society** - **Purpose**: Provides services to help families and children involved in foster care. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **800-239-5437** - **Website**: [childrensaid.org](https://www.childrensaid.org) - **Services**: - Support services for foster children and families. - Counseling and family preservation programs. - Resources for reunification or permanent placement. --- ### **5. BigHouse Foundation** - **Purpose**: Enhances the quality of life for children in foster care. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **334-363-2634** - **Website**: [ourbighouse.org](http://www.ourbighouse.org) - **Services**: - Back-to-school clothing and supplies. - Extracurricular activity funding. - Holiday gifts and family support events. --- ### **6. Alabama Mentor (Mentor Network)** - **Purpose**: Provides therapeutic foster care for children with special needs. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **800-939-8079** - **Website**: [al-mentor.com](https://www.al-mentor.com) - **Services**: - Training and support for therapeutic foster families. - Behavioral health and emotional support for foster children. - Placement services for children with complex needs. --- ### **7. Foster the City (Alabama Chapters)** - **Purpose**: Mobilizes faith-based communities to support foster families. - **Contact**: - **Website**: [fosterthecity.org](https://fosterthecity.org) - **Services**: - Recruitment and training for foster parents. - Church-based support groups for fostering families. - Emergency resources for foster children. --- ### **8. Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)** - **Purpose**: Advocates for children in the foster care and court systems. - **Contact**: - **Website**: [alabamacasa.org](https://www.alabamacasa.org) - **Services**: - Trained volunteers to represent foster children’s interests in court. - Advocacy for better foster care policies. --- ### **9. Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries** - **Purpose**: Offers foster care and family support services. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-982-1112** - **Website**: [alabamachild.org](https://www.alabamachild.org) - **Services**: - Foster care placement and family support. - Residential care for children unable to live in foster homes. - Faith-based counseling and resources. --- ### **10. National Foster Care Support Resources** - **AdoptUSKids**: - **Phone**: **1-888-200-4005** - **Website**: [adoptuskids.org](https://www.adoptuskids.org) - Provides national support for fostering and adoption. - **Child Welfare Information Gateway**: - **Website**: [childwelfare.gov](https://www.childwelfare.gov) - Offers extensive resources on fostering and adoption. --- ### **11. 2-1-1 Alabama (United Way)** - **Purpose**: Connects families to local foster care services and support. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: Dial **2-1-1** - **Website**: [211connectsalabama.org](https://www.211connectsalabama.org) - **Services**: - Referrals to foster care agencies. - Emergency assistance for foster families. --- ### **Steps to Get Involved or Access Help** 1. **Contact DHR**: - Start with the Alabama Department of Human Resources for licensing and placement inquiries. 2. **Join Support Networks**: - Engage with groups like AFAPA or CASA for training, advocacy, and peer support. 3. **Utilize Local Resources**: - Reach out to organizations like BigHouse Foundation for day-to-day support. 4. **Explore Adoption Opportunities**: - Use Heart Gallery Alabama to learn about children awaiting adoption. Let me know if you need further details or specific help!