Foster care
|
|
Foster care is a system by which adults care for minor children who are not able to live with their biological parents. Many states have provisions for voluntary or involuntary foster care. Voluntary foster care may be in circumstances where a parent is unable or unwilling to care for a child. For instance, a child may have behavioral problems requiring specialized treatment. Involuntary foster care may be necessary in situations involving child abuse or neglect. Some children in foster care are awaiting adoption, while others are temporarily placed there, for example if a single parent is in prison.
Foster care is intended to be a temporary living situation for children. The goal of foster care is to reunify with their parent or guardian or find another suitable permanent living arrangement. This may include an adoptive home, guardianship, or placement with a relative. In some instances, children may be placed in a long-term foster placement.
Foster homes in the United States
In the United States, foster home licensing requirements vary from state to state but are generally overseen by the state's Department of Social Services.
In many states children unable to function in a foster home, usually due to behavioral problems stemming from child abuse and neglect, are placed in Residential Treatment Facilities (RTCs) or other such group homes meant to treat children with similiar backgrounds. The focus of treatment in such facilities is to prepare the child for a return to a foster home, to an adoptive home, or to the biological parents when applicable.
External links
- Too many stops (http://www.afterfostercare.com/subway.m3u) Audio documentary documenting former foster child's life story. Aired on CBC Radio Outfront on September 12, 2002.