Document Actions
Foster Care - Department of Social Services
Information on Foster Care Services
-
Children are placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect as determined by the juvenile court.
-
Foster Care is intended to be a temporary out of home placement while families get the services they need to ensure their children will be safe.
-
If, after a period of time mandated under the Adoptions and Safe Families Act, children cannot be safely reunited with their parents or other relatives, a more permanent arrangement may have to be made.
-
This can include an Independent Living goal for a child over the age of 16 or adoption. Social workers are assigned to work with children and their families to help them achieve the best possible outcomes.
-
Children in foster care are placed in local and State licensed resource parent (foster and adoptive) homes, group homes or residential facilities depending on the needs of the child.
-
Children can remain in foster care until their 21st birthday depending on their special needs and educational attainment.
