Wrap a Family With Real Help
When a child enters a home, support looks like casseroles, calendars and cleared volunteers who can legally help. Below are short, high-impact ways to serve, plus the required checks you’ll need before you can watch a foster child, cover date night, or provide respite.
Fast Ways You Can Help
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Meal Train (3 meals): 1 hot + 2 freezer; label allergens.
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House Help (1 hr): Dishes, laundry fold, quick tidy.
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Grocery/Diaper Drop: Porch delivery from a shared list.
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Gift Cards: Gas/grocery $25–$50.
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Welcome/School Kits: PJs, toiletries, backpack, supplies.
Higher-Impact Roles
(Requires Clearances)
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Date-Night Sitter (2–3 hrs) or Respite / Weekend Host: Give caregivers a break.
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Transport Help: Rides to therapy, school, or visits (when permitted).
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Homework/Tutoring: Reading buddy, math help.
Safety & Eligibility
You must complete agency screening before being alone with a foster child:
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FBI fingerprint-based background check
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State criminal history check (TX DPS or your state equivalent)
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CPS/child abuse & neglect registry check (Central Registry)
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National sex-offender registry check
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Basic training (trauma-aware/TBRI® overview; agency policies)
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Photo ID + references; confidentiality & social media agreements
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For transport: valid license, clean driving record, insured vehicle, proper car seat
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Agree to no corporal punishment, follow the family’s care plan, and report incidents immediately.
Until these are completed and approved, volunteers may not be alone with a foster child. You can still help with meals, errands, projects, and gift cards right away.
