3 National Policy Council Recommendations for the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a time of joy, connection, and cherished traditions. But for young people in foster care, it can also bring challenges — feelings of isolation, disconnection from loved ones, and missed opportunities to participate in the celebrations their peers enjoy.
The National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council is made up of young leaders who have experienced foster care firsthand. They work to ensure that policy decisions reflect the needs, experiences, and wisdom of those most impacted. This holiday season, we’re sharing three powerful recommendations from the Council to help caregivers, child welfare professionals, and communities create inclusive, supportive celebrations for youth in care.
These insights come directly from young people with lived experience. They are both a call to action and a guide for making sure no youth feels left out during this time of year.
What is "Normalcy"?
Normalcy means allowing youth in care to participate in the same age-appropriate activities and experiences as their peers — whether that’s going to sleepovers, joining sports teams, attending dances, or celebrating the holidays with friends.
Unfortunately, many foster youth miss out on these moments due to overprotective policies or fears about liability. While these rules may be well-intentioned, they often lead to isolation and missed developmental milestones.
The Council's Recommendation
Let’s ensure the holiday season is filled with joyful, age-appropriate experiences — not unnecessary restrictions. This could mean allowing youth to attend a friend’s holiday party, participate in gift exchanges, or even take a trip with their school choir.
From the Priority: Improving Well-Being by Addressing Normalcy (2013)
“I think my caregivers acted out of fear of CPS/DCFS’ rules. The system is often so overprotective that it stifles growth and development (no sleepovers, driving lessons, etc.).”
Former Foster Youth
The holidays can intensify feelings of grief and separation, especially for youth who are away from siblings, extended relatives, or other important connections. Maintaining safe, healthy relationships — whether biological or chosen family — can provide comfort, stability, and a stronger sense of belonging during this season.
The Council's Recommendation
Support youth in staying connected to loved ones by arranging facilitated visits, setting up virtual calls, or offering mediation services to navigate complicated family dynamics. Even small efforts can make a big difference in helping youth feel supported and less alone.
From the Priority: Improving Social Capital for Youth in Foster Care (2017)
“I had a step sister and would have benefited from help contacting her. I would have benefited also from mediation/help connecting with my bio mother and stepfather and dealing with those unhealthy relationships, but not doing so entirely alone.”
Former Foster Youth
The holiday season often centers around cultural traditions — from foods and music to language and religious celebrations. But many foster youth are placed in homes where their cultural identity isn’t reflected or respected, leaving them feeling disconnected or pressured to conform to unfamiliar customs.
The Council's Recommendation
Foster families and caregivers should actively include and honor a youth’s cultural background during the holidays. This can mean cooking traditional meals, attending community gatherings, decorating in culturally significant ways, or supporting youth in practicing their faith. Inclusion should be intentional and affirming.
From the Priority: Improving Social Capital for Youth in Foster Care (2017)
“It would have been impactful to be placed with a family that was inclusive, open-minded and accepting of my culture without them attempting to force me to conform to theirs or exclude me all together.”
Former Foster Youth
The holiday season is a chance to create memories that last a lifetime. By removing unnecessary restrictions, supporting healthy family connections, and embracing cultural inclusion, we can help youth in foster care feel seen, valued, and truly part of the celebration.
To learn more about the National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council and explore additional recommendations, visit the Council’s website.