top of page

Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM)

Everyone can do something. They just need to know how.

1,519 children

were in foster care in Tulare County in 2020.

But only 50%

of foster families continue after the 1st year.

 It takes faith, time, money, and emotion to prioritize these at-risk kids and their families. Everyone can do something. FAMs answer the question: How?

What is a Family Advocacy Ministry (FAM)?

A church ministry that cares for vulnerable children and families, especially those impacted by foster care and adoption. 


Lots of people want to help, FAMs provide a plan and structure to:

  • Prevent children from entering foster care

  • Intervene when foster care or adoption is a necessity

  • Connect children with families for a lifetime

FAM Flow Chart.png

​

Reaching Higher will guide your church to empower volunteers, to support families, who love kids to ensure every child has a home.

​

How does my church build a FAM?

Reaching Higher will support you every step of the way, but here is a high level overview of what to expect:

​

Step 1: Identify Church Advocate(s)

This person will serve as the leader of your FAM. We recommend either 1 church staff or at least 2 passionate and dedicated volunteers.

​

Step 2: Attend Training

The Church Advocate(s) will learn step-by-step how to build, lead, and sustain a FAM. 

​​

Part 1: Intro to FAMs

Advocates start by watching an 8 minute video that lays the foundation and helps you decide if your church is ready to take the next step.

​

Part 2: Attend FAM Clinic

The FAM Clinic is hosted by our training partner, Promise686. Reaching Higher will meet with you before and after the clinic to help you develop a Ministry Action Plan (MAP).

 

The FAM Clinic is two parts: First, Advocates will complete an online self-paced 2 hour course. Then, Advocates attend a 4 hour LIVE webinar. Check below for upcoming clinic dates.

FAM Tool Box.png

​

Step 3: Engage your Congregation
Utilize a variety of tools to engage your congregation in intervention, prevention and connection. You will learn about these tools at the FAM Clinic, including:

  • Prayer

  • CarePortal Meet real-time, physical needs of local families

  • Care Communities Wraparound support for foster or adoptive families

  • Service Projects

  • Awareness Events

  • Recruiting new Foster and Adoptive Families

  • And more!

bottom of page