Building a place where we all thrive.
Since 1921, Amara has been dedicated to meeting the needs of children and families in our community who have been impacted by foster care or adoption with a focus on those who are most impacted including Black and Indigenous children and families, low-income and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Throughout our history, we’ve sought to fill the gaps in the child welfare system by developing and providing innovative, trauma-informed programs and services for children in foster and kinship care and the constellation of family members surrounding them. We focus on healing for children in foster care by facilitating their return home when possible, living with kinship caregivers (family members or close friends), entering a guardianship home, or by being adopted. We also work to change child welfare systems by supporting kinship families, elevating the voices of people most impacted by the child welfare system, and demonstrating that leading with compassion can transform peoples’ lives.
Improving Outcomes for Children and Families
Every day, in all our programs, we work toward positive long-term outcomes for kids, adults, and families. This means we support all forms of permanency for children whether through reunification, kinship, guardianship, or adoption. We give children and families tools to help them grow and thrive. We prioritize relationships, embrace openness, and value the inherent strengths of the children and families we serve.
Centering Equity
Racism is one of the most persistent drivers of inequity in the foster care system. Black children and Indigenous children are more likely to be placed in foster care due to systemic racism and the impacts of poverty. LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately represented in foster care. We maintain an intentional focus on confronting and dismantling racism, as well as centering equity with respect to class, gender, sexual identity, and abilities, to make sure everyone in our community feels safe, supported and affirmed for who they are.
Re-envisioning Child Welfare
We are dedicated to working with our community to transform our child welfare system into one that prioritizes family wellbeing. We know the best way to support children and families and help them stay strong is to address the underlying causes of family separation, including the impacts of racism and poverty, by partnering with our community to create systemic change. Learn more about our impact here!
Supporting foster and kinship caregivers every step of the way
Learn about fostering with us!