Three Strategic Focus Areas
Human-centered, innovative solutions aligned with the Flourish Fund Children & Families Initiative for transforming foster care and strengthening families.
Preventing Family Separation
Innovative solutions that strengthen at-risk families before crisis occurs
The Challenge: Neglect is a factor in 63% of child removals, yet most families face systemic barriers, not character flaws. Traditional reactive systems often disrupt families as a first response instead of last resort.
The Opportunity: Innovative approaches, including technology-enabled tools and community-driven solutions, can connect families to advocates, provide respite and resources, mobilize churches and community organizations to wrap around at-risk families, and help families navigate complex service systems before crisis escalates.
Example Innovations
- New service models that wrap community support around at-risk families
- Church-based volunteer networks providing respite and practical help
- Family navigator programs connecting families to local resources
- Partnerships between schools, healthcare, and social services for early identification
- Technology tools that help coordinate care across providers
- Family peer support models adapted for Fort Worth communities
Supporting Foster Families
Innovative tools and support models, including technology-enabled solutions, that reduce burnout, improve retention, and equip foster families with the support they need.
The Challenge: 50–70% of foster families stop within two years due to inadequate support, burnout, and limited training for caring for children who have experienced trauma.
The Opportunity: Innovative solutions, including digital tools and community-based supports, can provide just-in-time training, connect families to peer support, coordinate respite care, and help churches mobilize to support foster families in their communities.
Example Innovations
- Peer support networks connecting experienced and new foster families
- Church-based respite care programs providing regular breaks
- Trauma-informed training delivered through in-person cohorts or digital platforms
- Community support teams that wrap around foster families
- Digital platforms that connect foster families to resources, training, peer support, and real-time assistance
- Mentorship models pairing foster families with experienced guides
- Coordinated respite care systems (tech-enabled or volunteer-based)
Preparing Youth for Success
Innovative tools and programs, including digital platforms, that help youth build life skills, workforce readiness, and pathways to meaningful careers.
The Challenge: Each year, thousands of young people transition out of foster care without the stable support systems most young adults rely on. As a result, many face barriers and lack access to the mentorship, career pathways, and life skills typically provided through family networks.
The Opportunity: Innovative solutions can provide career exploration, skills training, mentor matching, financial literacy tools, and employment connections that prepare youth for independent, thriving adulthood.
Example Innovations
- Church-based mentorship and support programs that connect youth with caring adults, career guidance, and life skills support
- Employer partnerships creating job pathways for aging-out youth
- Life skills training through hands-on workshops or digital platforms
- Alumni peer networks where former foster youth support each other
- Housing transition programs with wraparound support
- Financial coaching and literacy programs tailored for foster youth
Cross-Cutting Themes
Across all focus areas, successful solutions will demonstrate:
Whole Family Approach
Solutions strengthen entire families in addition to supporting children
Church & Faith Engagement
Ability to mobilize or partner with faith communities
Redemptive Orientation
Focus on restoration and healing, not just crisis response
Collaborative Spirit
Commitment to field-building and sharing learnings
Human Dignity Centered
Technology as enabler, not replacement for human connection
Cost Effectiveness
Path to 30% reduction in cost per outcome
Does Your Solution Fit?
Check eligibility requirements and selection criteria to see if your organization is a strong match for this challenge.
View Eligibility Requirements