Children, youth, and families impacted by the child welfare system often face challenges that affect their stability and wellbeing. While foster care is largely managed at the state and county level, cities can help create the conditions that support stronger outcomes for families and young people.
The Opportunity
Within this broader framework, local governments can play an important role in supporting children, youth, and families impacted by foster care. Through cross-sector collaboration, strategic partnerships, and community-centered approaches, cities can help advance prevention efforts, strengthen family preservation, improve housing stability, and expand access to education, employment, and behavioral health supports.
“Effective leadership requires leading with both our hearts and our minds to create better outcomes for children and families.”
– Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard of Mount Vernon, NY
City leaders can help families find support before problems become crises. They can also bring together organizations that may not otherwise work together. Mayors and city leaders can connect schools, housing providers, health care organizations, child welfare agencies, community groups, philanthropy, and families around shared goals.
Reimagining Local Support for Foster Youth
In July 2026, the National League of Cities brought together mayors, municipal leaders, child welfare professionals, and community partners from seven cities to explore how local governments can contribute to better outcomes for children, youth, and families affected by foster care. The discussion reflected growing interest among city leaders in identifying local strategies that support family wellbeing, strengthen community connections, and improve coordination across systems and services.
To help guide this work, NLC surveyed municipal leaders and community partners about local priorities and challenges related to foster care and family wellbeing. Responses highlighted strong interest in mental health, housing stability, service coordination, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable funding. The survey also reinforced the important role cities can play in connecting residents to services and strengthening local systems, even when they do not oversee foster care programs directly.
This effort is an important first step in understanding how local leaders can support better outcomes for children, youth, and families impacted by foster care.
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