What Is Foster Care​?

Foster care refers to the system within a state that cares for minor children when it has been deemed by the court and a child protection agency that the minor's parents are unable to properly care for them. Children usually enter foster care due to abuse and/or neglect, but there are several other reasons that a child may enter foster care.



Who Are the kids?

Today, there are over 400,000 children and youth living in foster care. They come from varying backgrounds and foster care is required for a myriad of reasons. Some have been through trauma, abuse and/or neglect. 

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How Long Do Children Stay In Care?

About half spend less than a year in care. A third spend one to three years. Lengths of stay vary according to the circumstances of children and families, but they also differ because of choices local, state and federal agencies and communities make about how children will be cared for and the kinds of services and programs that will be available to help children return safely to their families.