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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Group Care and Fostering of Sudanese Children in Pignudu and Kakuma Refugee Camps: The Experience of Save the Children Sweden from 1990 to 1997.

Alebel Derib, 2001

A case study that describes and analyzes Group care arrangements and the fostering program (“Family Attachment”) in the refugee camps in Pignudo (Ethiopia) and Kakuma (Kenya). This study includes the evaluation done on the Family Attachment program in Kakuma refugee camps which assessed it’s weaknesses and strengths.

Networks of Support: A Literature Review of Care Issues for Separated Children

Gillian Mann , 2001

This report reviews existing the literature on separated children and examines childhood, family, childcare practices and separation. It highlights the importance of context and child participation in designing programs and policies to assist separated children.

Who Will Teach Me To Learn? Creating Positive School Experiences for Youth in Care

Martha Kirby, 2001

Research project examining the problems faced in the education of youth in care in Canada. Provides recommendations for supporting high school education and for including children in their educational planning.

The Rwandan experience of fostering separated children

Giorgia Doná - Save the Children, 2001

This study, commissioned by UNICEF, examines formal fostering policy and practice from the point of view of the Rwandan government and fostering agencies, and explores the perceptions of fostering of children, foster parents, local authorities and other members of local communities.

Regulation of the Pilot Project Regarding Foster Placement in Moldova

N/A, 2000

Regulations on foster care arrangements in Moldova, including the process of recruiting carers, the conditions of placements, and financial measures.

Foster Care - Standards and Practice Guidelines

World Vision Romania, 03 Mar 1999

This document contains a set of basic principles for foster care. It includes chapters on recruiting, selecting and training caregivers, placing children, evaluating placements, and the functions of social workers.

Fostering Kinship: An International Perspective on Kinship Foster Care

Roger Greeff, Editor, 1999

First published in 1999, this work draws together a multi-national collection of papers, and aims to stimulate the development of policy and practice in this often neglected area.

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United States: Foster Care Regulations - Rhode Island.

State of Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, 1998

These regulations were developed in the United States (in the state of Rhode Island) to assess all individuals who care for children away from their legal parents. It may contain useful information for organizations and countries that are developing their own regulations for foster carers.

The Children Act (Uganda)

Government of Uganda, 01 Aug 1997

The Children Act, Chapter 59 took effect in Uganda on 1 August, 1997.

Bringing Them Home: Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - Commonwealth of Australia, 1997

This report from Australia's Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission aimed to trace the past laws, practices and policies which resulted in the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families by compulsion, duress or undue influence, and the effects of those laws, practices and policies.