Foster care is providing for a child until his or her parent(s) can resume full responsibility to care for their child, or until a permanent home is found. It is a commitment to help a child through a difficult period in their life. It is for people who are willing to work in partnership with the child’s birth parents and provide understanding and compassion for them. It is for people who can give love and guidance and then let go.


The best foster parents are parents who enjoy children and like being parents. Other qualities such as being able to exercise good judgment, communicate and work well with others, remain flexible in problem solving, and maintain an understanding, nurturing environment are helpful in meeting the needs of foster children.