In any given year, hundreds of thousands of children are in the foster-care system, according to the Children's Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These children have been removed from their family homes because they have been abused, neglected or otherwise endangered. Foster parents provide temporary homes until these children can safely be reunited with their families or until another permanent family situation can be found.
History
Today's foster-care program began in the 1960s, as an extension of Aid to Dependent Children program, later renamed Aid to Families with Dependent Children, which was established under the Social Security Act in 1935. These earlier programs provided monetary assistance to families with financial difficulties who would otherwise have to place their children in institutions or relinquish them for adoption. Once federal money was allocated to the states for foster care, these children were instead temporarily placed with out-of-home families.
Function
The role of foster parents is to provide a safe and stable home environment for children who have been taken from their family homes and brought into the foster-care system. Depending on the circumstances, foster parents are expected to nurture and to care for the children until reunifications with birth parents or other relatives are possible or until the children are placed with adoptive families.
Requirements
Each state has its own guidelines and regulations governing its foster-care program, but the basic requirements are the same for all. Prospective foster families must apply for a family home license and provide evidence of family stability and sound finances. A home inspection and personal interview take place. All adults living in the home must agree to a background check, criminal-history check and fingerprinting. Most states require prospective parents to participate in a foster-parent training program that leads to certification or licensing.
Features
Single people and married couples are eligible to become foster parents. In many states, however, unmarried, unrelated adults who are living together may not be approved as foster parents. Once a home is certified or licensed for foster care, prospective foster parents can choose a foster child by age. According to the National Foster Parent Association, however, homes for children and teenagers between the ages of 11 and 16, pregnant teens and sibling groups are most needed. Most children in the foster-care system have medical and health benefits through Medicaid, and foster parents receive stipends and vouchers from the state for the child's food and clothing.
Considerations
The goal of the foster-care system is to reunite children with their immediate families or relatives, but in some cases this is not possible, and the children are placed for adoption. Under those circumstances, foster parents may be able to apply to adopt them.
