*This letter is to serve as an example only. Feel free to add more or less information on the child depending on your custodial agency's guidelines. All information provided and connections contacted must be approved by the custodial agency.

(Name)

(Address)

Dear (Name)

As you know, I’ve recently contacted you regarding (child’s first name). In addition to the letters, I’ve sent emails and also left a voicemail. Sadly, (child’s first name) is still in the custody of (social services municipality) and I am working hard to identify the best possible placement for long term foster care.

The foster care system is currently overwhelmed by the number of children needing a safe and loving place to call home. Right now, there are more than 400,000 kids in the system, and 20,000 children age out of the system each year. Aging out without a support system often leads to homelessness and incarceration. In fact, two-thirds of aged out foster youths are either incarcerated, homeless, or deceased by the age of 26.

Studies show that having safe and loving connections with extended family members before children in foster care age out of the system makes them more likely to become productive, healthy members of our society. I’m certain you’d agree that family connections are essential to living a stable, happy life and that every child deserves this opportunity.

I hope you will consider helping (child’s first name) during this difficult time. Please get in contact with us so you don’t lose the opportunity to connect with (child’s first name) now or in the future. If children are adopted by another family, relatives may no longer have the option of being involved in the child’s life.

Sincerely,

(Social Worker Name)

(Contact information)