Foster care is a system by which adults care for orphans or other children who are not living with their biological parents, for example due to child abuse. Some children in foster care are awaiting adoption, while others are temporarily placed there, for example if a single parent is in prison.

Foster homes in the United States

In the United States, foster home licensing requirements vary from state to state but are generally overseen by the state's Department of Social Services.

In many states children unable to function in a foster home, usually due to behavioral problems stemming from child abuse and neglect, are placed in Residential Treatment Facilities (RTCs) or other such group homes meant to treat children with similiar backgrounds. The focus of treatment in such facilities is to prepare the child for a return to a foster home, to an adoptive home, or to the biological parents when applicable.

External links

• Too many stops (http://www.afterfostercare.com/subway.m3u) Audio documentary documenting former foster child's life story. Aired on CBC Radio Outfront on September 12, 2002.

• The Foster Care Council of Canada (http://www.afterfostercare.com) A site created by a foster care survivor to bring people affected by foster care together to support each other and to educate the public on foster care issues.