Helping Foster Children of Acadiana



Our Mission Statement

Our goal is to raise public awareness about the need for foster and adoptive families for children and to provide unexpected blessings for the foster children in the Lafayette Region and surrounding areas.

We are dedicated to making foster children in Acadiana feel extra special at Christmas time, for their birthday, and throughout the year.

Our new initiative is to assist the Extended Foster Care in Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge with mentor opportunities, providing essential hygiene products and household cleaning supplies, as well as birthday gifts.

There are about (50) children in Acadiana are in need of a “forever home”; however, there are over 4100 children in foster care currently in the state of LA; 949 are teenagers.  There is a tremendous need for families willing to foster these children, especially the teenagers!

DCFS Orientation Schedule (Virtual Classes)

LAFAYETTE, LA OFFICE

Please contact the regional DCFS Home Development office to register for the virtual orientation. You must call in order to receive the Zoom link. Contact: HD Intake at (337) 262-5970

  • Tuesday, January 9 , 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, January 20 , 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, February 6 , 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, February 24 , 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, March 5, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, March 23, 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, April 2 , 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 20, 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, May 7 , 2024@ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, May 25 , 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, June 4 , 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 22 , 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Monday, July 9, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 20, 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, August 6, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, August 24 , 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, September 10, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 21 , 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, October 8, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 26 , 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Monday, November 12, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, November 23, 2024 @ 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday, December 10, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 10:00 AM


Click Here to be directed to the DCFS website for more information

What is Extended Foster Care?

When a child is not adopted by the age of 18, they officially ‘age out’ of the foster care program. However, they state of Louisiana gives them an opportunity to move into Extended Foster Care. At this point, the child is no longer available for adoption but is required to be work towards an education or a job.

This program is trying to help fill the gap during this transition period for them by providing some funding and support as they mature into adulthood. The Extended Foster Care program is available until their 21st birthday, at which time, they are no longer eligible to receive any assistance from the state.

SPREADING CHRISTMAS JOY

Each year, FOSTER FRIENDS hosts a Christmas party for the foster children in the Acadiana area. With the help of donations, we are able to grant each child’s Christmas wish list, so they can experience the joy of Christmas.

Christmas Wishes

Thank you, Acadiana, for your generous donations; we were able to purchase ALL the gifts for all the children this year.

BIRTHDAY SURPRISES

FOSTER FRIENDS also raises funds to recognize foster children on their birthdays.

We provide a gift and a sweet treat for each child on their birthday which is sometimes unseen.

Shop for a Birthday Gift Now