0 saved#5,803 of 6,224

Foster Care Fortnight

Join us in recognizing and supporting the incredible families and individuals who open their hearts and homes during Foster Care Fortnight.

Monday

10–23

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATESecond Monday in May (14-day)

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYYouth

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of foster parents and the courage and resilience of children in foster care, as we celebrate Foster Care Fortnight on May 9. This annual event was first established in the UK in 1998 to raise awareness about the needs of foster children and recognize the amazing contributions of foster families. During this two-week period, various organizations and communities come together to support and celebrate these unsung heroes who provide love, stability, and a brighter future for children in need. Let's take a moment to appreciate all that they do and encourage others to get involved in this meaningful cause!

TIMELINE

Foster Care Fortnight Timeline

UK Foster Care Evolution

The start of World War II marked pivotal developments in UK's foster care system as thousands of children were evacuated from cities to safer rural areas.

Shift Toward Family Group Homes

The 1980s saw a shift away from larger institutionalized care homes towards family-based foster homes. This was done to give at-risk kids a more normal home environment.

Initiation of Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Care Fortnight was first established in the UK in 1998 to raise awareness and support for the importance of foster care.

Foster Care Counts Founded

In California, USA, "Foster Care Counts" was founded to honor foster parents and raise awareness on the needs of foster care children.

Fostering Collaboration

The Fostering Network and CoramBAAF, two prominent foster care organizations in the UK, combined their strengths in 2015 to make Foster Care Fortnight even more impactful.

Expanding Reach

In 2018, Foster Care Fortnight saw greater international participation, reaching even more people outside of the UK to raise awareness for foster care struggle and needs.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Foster Care Fortnight

Host a foster care fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser to support local foster care organizations. This could be a bake sale, a charity run, or any other creative event to raise awareness and funds for foster care during Foster Care Fortnight.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a foster care organization

Spend some time during Foster Care Fortnight volunteering at a local foster care organization. This could involve playing with the children, helping with administrative tasks, or even fostering a child yourself.

ORGANIZE

Organize a foster care awareness event

Plan and host an event to raise awareness about foster care in your community. This could be a panel discussion, a film screening, or any other creative way to start important conversations about foster care during Foster Care Fortnight.

WRITE

Write letters of appreciation to foster care parents

Take the time to write heartfelt letters of appreciation to foster care parents, thanking them for their selfless dedication and love for the children in their care. This small gesture can go a long way in showing support and gratitude during Foster Care Fortnight.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself and others about foster care

Use Foster Care Fortnight as an opportunity to educate yourself and others about the realities and needs of foster care. Share resources, raise awareness, and have important conversations about how we can all support and improve the foster care system.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Foster Care Fortnight is Important

It encourages support for foster families

Fostering can be a difficult and emotionally taxing experience, but it plays such an important role in providing stability and love for children in need. Foster Care Fortnight helps raise awareness about the support that foster families need and encourages others to offer their support in any way possible.

It raises awareness for children in foster care

Foster Care Fortnight is an important reminder that there are many children in need of safe and loving homes. By bringing attention to this issue, we can help encourage people to consider becoming foster parents or support organizations that provide resources for children in foster care.

It celebrates the resilience of foster children

Foster Care Fortnight is also a time to celebrate and honor the strength and determination of foster children. They have faced challenges that most of us could never imagine, yet they continue to persevere and thrive with the love and support of their foster families.

Related holidays

National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month - join us in raising awareness and supporting children and families in the foster care system.

National Adoption Month

This National Adoption Month, join us in spreading awareness and love for families formed through adoption. Let's celebrate the beautiful bonds created through adoption!

National Adoption Week

Expand your family, fill your heart! National Adoption Week shines a light on the joy and love that adoption brings.

World Orphans Day

Make a difference this World Orphans Day - donate, volunteer and spread awareness to help support orphaned children around the world.

217Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API