FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is a “foster child” and “foster care?”
Foster care (also known as out-of-home care) is a temporary service provided by states for these children that, for safety reasons, can no longer live with their parents.
In every case, children in the foster care system have suffered from neglect. Often they have experienced abuse (physical and/or sexual). In addition, all have experienced abandonment because their biological parents were unable, unwilling, or unfit to care for them.
Where does RFK work?
Currently we work in 44 states, 262 communities, as well as 12 countries.
How many children does RFK reach though its programs each year?
Currently, we work with approximately 10,000 children annually.
How is RFK able to reach so many children?
We are a volunteer-based organization consisting of over 260 chapters throughout the country. Each chapter director and volunteer staff are primarily mobilized within churches. Community partnerships are formed with local businesses, schools, and other relevant organizations with a similar vision to reach neglected, abused, and abandoned children.
How many volunteers operate RFK programs?
Currently, nearly 16,000 volunteers serve the children we reach.
How is RFK introduced to foster children?
Each chapter works directly with the local Child Protective Services agency to locate foster children and facilitate their participation in our programs.
Is RFK a “Christian organization?”
RFK is led by Christ followers who share a common goal with people of good will in caring for those Jesus referred to as, “The least of these.” In our case, children of neglect, abuse, and abandonment. Our Christian faith is woven into everything that we do as respond to Jesus Christ’s call to love and to serve. We pursue this mission through our holistic commitment to:
-
Transformation: We believe that all lives can be changed, with joy and play leading the way.
-
Security: We believe that safety and freedom from harm are essential.
-
Love: We treat all people with dignity, generously lavishing them with kindness and compassion.
-
Belonging: We facilitate interpersonal and community connectivity.
-
Courage: We relentlessly serve for the betterment of society.