Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

The importance of Hispanic American participation in the foster care system

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 through October 15. This national observance highlights the contributions, traditions, and values of Hispanic communities, and how the influence of these communities strengthens the fabric of our society.

As we celebrate Hispanic culture, we must also recognize the importance of preserving these values for Latino children in foster care. Hispanic children in foster care need families who understand their culture, language, and traditions. Hispanic foster parents play a vital role in making that possible.

The significance of Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month began as a weeklong celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded to a month-long observance by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. This celebration was created to honor the diverse countries, traditions, and values represented in the Hispanic community as well as acknowledge the many contributions that Hispanic individuals have made to our nation.

According to Lifeway Research, Hispanic culture prioritizes family, respect for elders, shared meals, the Spanish language, and community support. These values enrich the world around us, and when Hispanic foster children are placed in homes that share their heritage, they can thrive.

The need: not enough Hispanic parents in foster care

Across Texas and the U.S., Hispanic or Latino children make up a significant portion of the foster care system. According to data from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, there are currently 12,163 Hispanic or Latino children in the Texas foster care system.  At the same time, the number of Hispanic foster parents is disproportionately low.

This gap means many Hispanic children are placed in non-Hispanic households. While these homes may be loving and stable, children can face challenges such as:

• Loss of Spanish language skills
• Disconnect from cultural traditions
• Feelings of cultural isolation

Research confirms that cultural identity is critical for child development. The Centre for Early Childhood explains, “Early childhood is critical in laying the foundations for young children’s development. During this period, the notion of ‘culture’ – defined as the values, norms and practices that are distinct to a particular society – has a profound influence on children’s social and emotional development, including how they think, learn and behave.”

Exposure to different cultures is important– but so is growing up in a home environment where children feel familiar with the language, food, traditions and values they were born into.  

Why Hispanic families make a difference in foster care

When Hispanic families step into foster care, children gain more than a safe home – they gain belonging. A Hispanic foster home often includes:

• Food the child recognizes and enjoys
• Language they understand and feel comfortable speaking
• Traditions that make them feel rooted and celebrated

These familiar experiences reduce the risk of isolation, anxiety, and cultural loss. They also give children pride in their identity and a stronger sense of self.

By becoming foster parents, Hispanic families are not only changing the lives of vulnerable children but also preserving Latino culture for future generations.  

Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to consider how you can make a difference.

Visit buckner.org/foster-care-adoption to learn more about foster care requirements in Texas and how your family can get involved.