A foster child has been removed from her natural or adoptive family. A child may be placed in foster care because of safety concerns in the home, an illness affecting her parents, child abuse or neglect. A child in foster care often feels as though everything has been taken from her, but she retains all of the rights that she had prior to being placed in foster care, and gains a few new rights based on her status as a foster child.
Basic Needs
A foster child has the same rights and needs that any other child has. He needs a safe and comfortable place to live, clothing to wear, healthy food to eat and an education. The Foster Care Ombudsman Office states that a foster child should have a place to keep his things, and should have telephone privileges. He has the right to see a doctor, dentist or counselor when necessary. He also has the right to be free from physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and he must not be discriminated against based on his race, sexual orientation, religion or disability. A foster child has a right to be treated as a member of the family who is hosting him.
Enrichment
A foster child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities that are appropriate for her age and maturity level. She can attend the religious services of her choice. Her foster family should help her to pursue her interests, says the Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services. She should be able to meet with friends, and go on play dates or to sleepovers if they're age-appropriate.
Social Services
A foster child's social worker must meet with him on a regular basis and must take his concerns and complaints seriously. The child has the right to know, in age-appropriate terms, why he has been removed from his family. He may meet with the judge in charge of his case, and can have contact with his attorney and social worker as necessary. He should have the telephone numbers of his social worker, caseworker and others involved in making decisions for him.
Family Contact
Unless a judge has decided otherwise, a foster child has the right to maintain contact with her parents and siblings. She has the right to a visitation schedule, and her foster parents and social worker must allow her to see her family members on schedule. If an extended family member is willing and able to provide a safe and loving home for her, she has the right to enter familial foster care.
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