About the Foster Network
Looking Out for Our Local Foster Families
We provide foster care support services in Sioux Falls, SD and the surrounding areas.
At The Foster Network, we strive to provide reliable foster care support that families in Sioux Falls, SD, and surrounding areas depend on. 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.
As more local children enter the foster care system, the need for foster family supplies throughout our area has become more vital. We've made it our goal to ensure that:
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
We're growing in how we cater to our community's needs and continue to serve local minors and their families through our foster care support programs. To see how you can help, visit our donations page or sign up to volunteer with us.
Our mission and vision
Whether it's helping Sioux Falls residents with foster family supplies or support programs, we're committed to improving the foster care experience for our local youth. We do this by centering everything we do around:
Our mission: Empower and support families who care for children placed through a licensing agency.
Our vision: The Foster Network will empower and support families with children placed by a licensing agency through community outreach, networking, and in-house services.
Need help getting access to supplies for your foster child? Reach out to us now.
Frequently asked questions
Who are we?
We started the Foster Network (TFN) as a small group of foster parents who wanted to help other foster parents. As we have grown, we seek to provide support and essential needs to families and children in foster care.
What is our mission?
Empower and support families and children placed through a licensing agency, giving them the opportunity to thrive.
How is The Foster Network funded?
The Foster Network is an organically grown non-profit that does not receive state or federal funding. TFN receives funding through private donations, business donations, and grants.
Is an appointment required?
Appointments are required for families coming in to receive items. Donation appointments are no longer required and can be dropped off during business hours. To receive items, please schedule an appointment by clicking here.
Who do we 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 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 do we provide?
Welcome bags, clothing, baby equipment, furniture such as beds, dressers and pack-n-plays, child-safe events, scholarships for extracurricular activities, cultural activities, and camps, and over-all support to foster parents.
Do we have to live in Sioux Falls?
No, we serve families in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Is paperwork required?
Paperwork showing the child is placed with you is required upon your initial visit to The Closet. 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.
Our Story
Our Story
ERFPN was established in 2011 when a group of like minded foster parents were seeking support for their foster care journey. We saw an opportunity to support, educate, and increase awareness. In early 2012 we acquired our non profit status.
Our Space in 2018
In 2019 we started seeing a growth in the number of families we were serving through our clothing closet program. We quickly realized that we needed a larger location.
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.
After a few months in our new spot the number of families we were serving continued to grow and we were quickly running out of space. After a short 6 months in this space we moved to bigger space tripling our size.
Our Space in Spring of 2020
Our space in 2021
In 2023 we moved into a larger space on Cliff Avenue where we can organize clothing items on racks and give families a better free shopping experience. This also allows us to host events and carry more furniture. We are excited to see how we can support foster families even better from this new space!
