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Foster care is a temporary arrangement where children who cannot live with their birth families are placed in the care of foster parents. These children may have experienced abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that make it unsafe for them to remain with their birth families. Foster care provides a safe and nurturing environment for these children while their birth families work toward resolving the issues that led to their removal. Foster parents play a vital role in providing stability, love, and support to these children during this challenging time. The ultimate goal of foster care is to reunite the children with their birth families whenever possible, but in some cases, it may lead to adoption or long-term care.

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There are different types of families. Some families have two parents and multiple children. Others may consist of one parent and one child. There are also families that include close relatives, step-parents, or other caregivers.

Who are the caretakers in your family? Children need responsible adults in their lives who can help them grow. Unfortunately, not all birth parents are able to fulfill this role for various reasons. Sometimes, parents pass away due to personal tragedies. Some children experience abuse and neglect. Illnesses can also prevent parents from being the best caretakers for their children.

What happens when parents are unable to raise their children? Children can easily find themselves in dangerous situations. They may be unable to take care of themselves and will need help with basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.

In such cases, many children end up in the foster care system. The word “foster” means to help someone grow and develop, and that is exactly what the foster care system does. It provides a temporary solution for children who need a safe environment to grow and develop.

Foster parents are individuals who want to help children in need. They invite children into their homes and take care of them for as long as necessary.

The duration of a child’s stay with a foster family can vary greatly. It could be just one night, a few months, or even several years. It depends on the reasons for needing foster care. Sometimes, parents are unable to resume caring for their child, and in such cases, children in foster care may be adopted by their foster family or another family.

Becoming part of a foster family can be a challenging experience for any child. However, individuals who choose to become foster parents undergo thorough screening to ensure they can provide a safe and stable home. They also receive specialized training to make the transition easier for their foster children.

When parents need help providing a safe environment for their children, the foster care system is there to meet that need. In the United States, over 800,000 children come into contact with the foster care system each year. On average, children spend almost three years in the system before being reunited with their parents or adopted.

Do you know anyone who has lived with a foster family? Perhaps you have experienced living with a new caregiver yourself. It can be a difficult adjustment, but the most important thing is that children’s needs are being met.

Give It a Try

Are you interested in learning more about foster care? Ask a friend or family member to help you explore the following activities:

Questions About Foster Care

Do you have additional inquiries regarding foster care? Take a look at frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers on the topic of Talking to Kids About Foster Care, presented by Kids Matter Inc. If you still have unresolved queries, seek assistance from an adult to conduct further online research.

Family Situations and Foster Care

What are the various family circumstances that may lead to foster care? Engage in a discussion with an adult friend or family member to explore potential scenarios in which children might enter foster care. Utilize online resources to investigate the government agencies available in your town, county, and state that are involved in the placement of foster children.

Welcoming a Foster Child

Imagine if your parents or caregivers decided to foster a child. How would you embrace them as part of your family? What activities would you enjoy together? Is there a special meal that your family loves to prepare collectively? Consider ways in which you could assist a child in feeling comfortable in their new living environment. Share your thoughts and ideas with a friend or family member.

Valuable Sources

• https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/foster-care/ (accessed 31 July 2020)
• http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/FosterCare/story?id=2017991 (accessed 31 July 2020)