
Join us for the 2026 State of Foster Care Symposium, hosted by Fostering the Connection and Children's Home Society of NC.
This year’s symposium will bring together foster and adoptive families, child welfare professionals, service providers, advocates, churches, educators, and community leaders for meaningful conversation around the current realities of foster care.
Attendees can expect thoughtful discussion, lived experience, professional insight, and practical takeaways focused on strengthening support for children, youth, and families impacted by foster care.
Admission is free, but registration is required.
We also welcome organizations and community partners who would like to participate as vendors or sponsors. Vendor space will be limited, and additional details will be shared as they are finalized.
Who Should Attend
This event is for foster and adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, child welfare professionals, educators, therapists, medical and service providers, church and nonprofit leaders, advocates, community partners, and anyone who wants to better understand and support the foster care community.
What to Expect
Expect a morning centered on honest conversation, connection, education, and action. Our goal is for attendees to leave with a clearer understanding of the needs facing foster care today and tangible ways to respond within their own families, organizations, professions, and communities.
The State of Foster Care Symposium
The State of Foster Care Symposium is an annual event bringing together community leaders, child welfare professionals, foster and adoptive families, advocates, educators, churches, and individuals with lived experience for an honest and necessary conversation about the realities of foster care.
Through education, storytelling, and solution-focused discussion, this event is designed to expose the needs, gaps, misconceptions, and opportunities within the foster care community while equipping attendees with tangible ways to respond.
Fostering the Connection exists to create space for deeper understanding, stronger collaboration, and meaningful action so children, youth, and families impacted by foster care are better seen, supported, and surrounded by community.
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2026 Symposium Details
Thursday, October 15, 2026
9:30 AM–12:00 PM
SouthPark Church, Charlotte
Photos from the 2025
State of Foster Care Symposium
























