Foster Kids Are Our Kids was developed as a collaboration between 62 child welfare agencies to improve the perception of foster care. The project began with 19 focus groups which included members of the general public, foster kids, caseworkers and current foster parents from around the state of Illinois.

The results of the focus groups indicated a need for a social marketing campaign that would improve attitudes surrounding foster care and encourage more support for families and kids in foster care. Since its inception in 2006, three messages have been developed, implemented, and disseminated through mass media outlets statewide.

The first message, Don’t Write Me Off, introduced and raised awareness about foster care. We’re Making Foster Care Better, the campaign’s second message, was introduced in 2007 and encouraged community members to donate, volunteer or mentor foster children. The third campaign message was designed to fight stigma by celebrating former foster kids' successes as adults with the message I’m Doing Good.

This year's message is focusing on foster parents, sharing real stories of individuals making a difference in the lives of foster kids throughout Illinois!

Learn more today by viewing the resources below or by visiting the Foster Kids Are Our Kids website!

Television Spots (Click to view Foster Parent Interviews)