Foster Care | Better Care Network

Foster Care

The term “foster care” is used in a variety of ways, and, consequently, it often causes confusion and miscommunication. In the industrialized world it is generally used to refer to formal, temporary placements made by the State with families that are trained, monitored and compensated at some level. In many developing countries, however, fostering is kinship care or other placement with a family, the objective(s) of which may include the care of the child, the child’s access to education, and/or the child’s doing some type of work for the foster family.

Such care is informal and unregulated by the State. Foster care can also be understood as formal care, typically provided by adults who are not related to the child, but may include formalized kinship care. It is usually for a limited period until the child can return home or move into a more permanent placement such as adoption.

In emergency situations, such as armed conflict, informal fostering often occurs spontaneously when a family takes in an unaccompanied child. Also, in some emergency situations, agencies have organized a quasi-formal type of foster care to ensure immediate, family-based care for unaccompanied children. Such foster care should be formally arranged by the local authority or child protection organisation and include assessing each child’s best interests; screening, training, and monitoring of caretakers; and planning for the longer term needs of each child.

Foster care can provide the advantages of family-based care within a child’s own community. In some situations, particularly spontaneous care initiated during an emergency, it can become de facto adoption in settings where State child protection services and formalization of care arrangements are very limited or do not exist.

Foster care plays an important role in a situation where a child’s own family is not providing adequately for his or her care. It can provide protection and care for the child while the family situation is improved, with the eventual aim of family reunification.

It is vital that children are provided opportunities to express their wishes and concerns regarding with whom they live and have contact. The appointment of a legal guardian is a means of ensuring their opinions are taken into account.

Foster caretakers often receive support to meet the child’s needs and prevent placement breakdown. This may include parenting guidance and access to basic services for the child. Payment for care requires thoughtful consideration and should not encourage the separation of children from their families, or the use of a child for financial gain. All placements should be regulated to ensure the standards of care protect the child and encourage her development.

This body of literature provides examples from around the world of spontaneous, informal and formal fostering. It includes guidance on standards of care and child care policy.

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Foster Care in India: Policy Brief

Jayna Kothari and Rajgopal Saikumar, 17 Jan 2014

This policy brief reviews the legal framework for foster care in India, including an analysis of the current provisions of foster care along with the rules and schemes on foster care framed by states in India, with a focus on Delhi and Goa.

From a Whisper to a Shout: A Call to End Violence Against Children in Alternative Care

SOS Children’s Villages and the University of Bedfordshire , 2014

This report from SOS Children’s Villages and the University of Bedfordshire provides reviews and assessments of the implementation of the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children in 21 countries around the world.

The Revised Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Government – Civil Society Partnership - India

Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India, 2014

The Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) of India outlines, and contributes to the implementation of, the Government’s responsibility to establish an effective and efficient child protection system.

Drumming Together for Change: A Child’s Right to Quality Care in Sub-Saharan Africa

SOS Children’s Villages, Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland, University of Malawi, 2014

This report is based on a synthesis of eight assessments of the implementation of the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children (“the Guidelines”) in Benin, Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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UNHCR Child Protection Issue Brief: Alternative Brief

UNHCR, 2014

This issue brief from the UNHCR highlights key messages from UNHCR in regards to alternative care, including the importance of making alternative care arrangements based on the best interests of the child and using residential or institutional care only as a very last resort.

Overseen but often overlooked: Children and Young People ‘Looked After at Home’ in Scotland - Report 1: Reviewing the literature

Vicki Welch, Jennifer Lerpiniere, Sue Sadler, Emma Young - CELCIS, 2014

This document is the first report from a study commissioned by Barnardo’s Scotland. The study explores experiences, needs and outcomes for children and young people in Scotland who are (or have been) looked after at home (ie subject to a home supervision requirement or order).

Assessment Report of the Alternative Care System for Children in Zimbabwe

SOS Children’s Villages International, 2014

This report from SOS Children’s Villages presents a critical analysis of the Zimbabwe’s compliance with the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children which found “yawning gaps” between the laws and policies in place and the actual experiences of children on the ground.

Fostering Success in Education: National Factsheet on the Educational Outcomes of Children in Foster Care

National Working Group on Foster Care and Education , 2014

This report from the National Working Group on Foster Care and Education provides statistical and demographic data on the education of children in foster care in the United States and highlights promising programs around the country that promote positive educational outcomes for children in foster care.

Statutory guidance on children who run away or go missing from home or care

Department for Education, 2014

This guidance from the UK Department for Education sets out the steps local authorities and their partners should take to prevent children from going missing and to protect them when they do go missing.

What Happens to Siblings in the Care System?

Cathy Ashley and David Roth - Family Rights Group & Kinship Care Alliance , 2014

This report investigates the current experience of siblings in the care system in the UK and whether some placement types are more likely than others to enable siblings to be
raised together.