Improving the foster care experience and building stronger families.
Our Mission
Empower and support families who care for children placed through a licensing agency.
About Us
At The Foster Network, we strive to provide reliable foster care support to families. Our organization was established as the East River Foster Parent Network in 2012. In 2022, we shortened our name to The Foster Network to reflect our dedication to the entire Sioux Falls area.
Our goals are to ensure:
• Children in the foster system have a safe place to live.
• Families caring for foster children can access the education and support they need.
• The public has access to reliable information on the foster system and how to help local families.
Our Story
Our Space in 2018
Our Space in the Spring of 2020
Our Space in 2021
Volunteers moving us into our current location
East River Parent Network was established in 2011 when a group of like-minded foster parents sought support for their foster care journey. We saw an opportunity to support, educate, and increase awareness. In early 2012, we acquired our nonprofit status.
In 2019, we started seeing a growth in the number of families we served through our clothing closet program. We quickly realized that we needed a more prominent location.
After a few months in our new location, the number of families we were serving continued growing, and we were quickly running out of space. After six months in this space, we moved to a more significant location, tripling our size.
Shortly after we moved into our new location, COVID-19 hit, and the need for foster families to utilize our program grew. While in this space, we served around 60 kids a month.
In 2023, we moved into our current location on Cliff Avenue, where we can organize clothing items on racks and give families a better free shopping experience. This space also allows us to host events and carry more furniture. We are excited to see how we can better support foster families from this new space!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is The Foster Network (TFN) funded?
The Foster Network is an organically grown non-profit that does not receive state or federal funding. We receive funding through private donations, business donations, and grants.
Who does The Foster Network serve?
We serve any child placed with another family through a licensing agency. This includes but is not limited to:
Children in the foster care system
Families on working plans with child protective services
Children placed through guardianship
Children adopted from an adoption agency or through the foster care system
Harbor families
What services does TFN provide?
We provide welcome bags for new placements, clothing, baby equipment, beds, dressers, pack-n-plays, child-safe events, scholarships for extracurricular activities, cultural activities, camps, and overall support to foster parents.
Do I have to live in Sioux Falls to receive support from TFN?
No, we serve families in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Is an appointment required?
Families coming in to receive items from The Closet must schedule appointments. Donation appointments are no longer needed and can be dropped off during business hours. To receive items, please schedule an appointment by clicking here.
How often can I visit The Closet?
There is no limit to the number of times you can visit The Closet. You can visit anytime the season changes, the child’s size changes, or if you need additional items.
Is paperwork required to be eligible to receive TFN services?
Upon your initial visit to The Closet, you must provide paperwork showing that the child has been placed with you. Acceptable paperwork can include but is not limited to, a Child Placement Agreement, Adoption Placement Agreement, Adoption Decree, Guardianship paperwork issued by an agency or judge, and Tribal Placement Agreement.