About Us

This project began with 19 focus groups which included members of the general public, foster kids, caseworkers and current foster parents from around the state of Illinois. The results of the focus groups indicated a need for a social marketing campaign that would improve attitudes surrounding foster care and encourage more support for families and kids in foster care.

Since its inception in 2006, four phases of the campaign have been developed, implemented, and disseminated through mass media outlets statewide. The first message, "Don’t Write Me Off", introduced and raised awareness about foster care. "We’re Making Foster Care Better", the campaign’s second phase, was introduced in 2007 and encouraged community members to donate, volunteer or mentor foster children. In 2008, the campaign continued to focus on fighting stigma by celebrating former foster kids' successes as adults with the message "I’m Doing Good". The current phase of the campaign was launch in February of 2010, with the theme of "In It For The Kids". This latest effort centers around real people who talk about why they became foster parents and their experiences caring for foster children.

Foster Kids Are Our Kids is managed by Voices for Illinois Children and supported by participating organizations. WGN television has served as the primary media partner and has donated extensive airtime as part of their commitment to foster care. Creative development and design for the campaign is provided by Better World Advertising.

To find out more about the campaign or for any media inquires, please click here to contact a campaign representative.