Definitions for "Foster Care"
A temporary arrangement whereby persons other than the birth parents care for a child for a period of time. This can be informal or arranged through the courts or a social service agency.
Temporary care for a child who is separated from his or her parents of relatives because the parents or relatives are unable to give supervision and physical and/or emotional care; the child is in an abusive situation (physically, emotionally, or sexually); there are severe parent and child conflicts; the parent or child is unable to control behavior; or the family has a temporary crisis.
24-hour care for children in substitution for, and away from, their parents or guardian. Such placement is made by or with an agreement of the State as a result of a voluntary agreement by the parent or guardian that the child will be removed from the home, or pursuant to a judicial determination of the necessity for foster care and involves agreement between the State and foster family to take the child. Although foster care may be with relatives of the child, State action is involved in the removal of the child from parental custody.