Equity in Action: Expanding the Circle of Foster Care through Inclusive Leadership

How DEI principles strengthen foster care recruitment and support across New York State

Every May, during National Foster Care Awareness Month, we shine a light on the urgent need for foster families who can provide safety, stability, and love to children in care. But at Together for Youth, we know that raising awareness isn’t just about numbers—it’s about equity.

That’s why our Go Purple initiative is more than a campaign. It’s a statewide call to action grounded in inclusion: the belief that children deserve to be cared for by people who understand their culture, language, and lived experience—and that families from all walks of life deserve access, support, and a sense of feeling seen in the foster care system.

Who We Reach—and Who We Might Miss

Too often, systems are built around the people who already know how to navigate them. That’s why applying a DEI lens to foster care recruitment is critical.

• Are our materials accessible across different cultures and languages?
• Do our licensing and training systems support families who may have nontraditional schedules, backgrounds, or experiences?
• Are we telling the full story of who can foster—and why their unique perspective matters?

Leading with Equity

As leaders, we have to look inward too. The policies we write, the language we use, and the partnerships we build all send a message: You belong here. That’s the core of DEI in leadership.

“Equity isn’t just a value — it’s a responsibility. At Together for Youth, we’re committed to removing barriers so more families can step forward and say yes to fostering. That means reimagining what support looks like, embracing every background and identity, and building systems that work for real people. Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the adults who care for them” said Aimee Ellsworth, TFY’s Vice President of Foster Care Services.

Going Purple, Going Deeper

Our Go Purple initiative is a powerful visual statement—but it’s also an opportunity to spark deeper conversations about how to build a foster care system that truly reflects and honors the diversity of our state. Because when we talk about equity in foster care, we’re talking about more than awareness. We’re talking about action. Please help us take action by pledging to Go Purple today. Visit www.togetherforyouth.org/go-purple