A foster child is a child or young person who is under the care of a foster family or other agency rather than his/her own family. This situation usually occurs when the parents of the child are not able to adequately care for the child due to illness, death, incarceration, poverty, or other complications. Some of the main reasons a child may enter foster care include but are not limited to: neglect, abuse, and abandonment.
When a child needs foster care, the family court, child protective services, or another state agency will make a request for foster care and place the child with a foster family or other agency until the situation can be resolved. In some cases, foster care may be short-term, lasting only a few weeks, while in others it may be long-term or ongoing. In either case, the child is provided with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment as they prepare for enrollment in school and placement in a permanent home.
Foster parents, alongside the state agency, ensure the emotional, medical, educational, and social needs of the child are being met. It is also the responsibility of the foster parents to advocate for the best interests of the child. Foster parents are expected to build meaningful relationships with the child, providing guidance, nurturing, and emotional stability. They also assist the child in developing good decision-making skills, problem-solution skills, and coping strategies to navigate stressful times.
When a foster family provides a foster child with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, lasting bonds may be formed that can create lifelong relationships. In some cases, foster parents can provide the guidance, love, and support needed to help the child reach their full potential leading to a successful future.