Foster Care

Foster Care is a system in which a minor has been placed into a ward, group home, or private home of a state-certified caregiver, referred to as a "foster parent" or with a family member approved by the state. The placement of the child is normally arranged through the government or a social service agency. The institution, group home or foster parent is compensated for expenses unless with a family member.

Overview

Foster care is intended to provide temporary care for children who cannot live with their birth families and need the safety of a temporary home while their parents are working on their challenges. It is a way to provide a family life for children in need, removing them from their birth families due to child abuse or neglect, parental substance abuse, or a situation where the parents cannot care for the children due to illness or other problems. A child may also be placed in foster care if both parents are deceased, or if the child is in need of care because of behavioral issues.

Types of Foster Care

There are several types of foster care, including traditional care, kinship care, and therapeutic or treatment foster care. Depending on the type of care, foster parents may work with social service staff, the child's family, schools, and others to meet his or her needs.

Traditional Care

In traditional foster care, children live with foster parents who provide a safe, nurturing, loving home until the child can return to his or her family.

Kinship Care

In kinship care, children live with relatives or friends who are also licensed as foster parents. This type of care is often considered when a child must be removed from his or her home.

Therapeutic or Treatment Foster Care

Children in therapeutic or treatment foster care have serious emotional, behavioral, or physical problems and need more intensive care. Therapeutic or treatment foster parents have special training to care for a wide variety of children and teens, including those with significant emotional or behavioral problems, children with medical needs, or adolescents who are pregnant or parenting.

Foster Care Process

The foster care process involves several steps, including an initial assessment of the child's needs, placement in a foster home, case management, and either reunification with the birth family or placement for adoption.

See Also

• Child welfare
• Adoption
• Group home
• Social service

Foster Care Resources
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