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Simple English definitions for legal terms
long-term foster care
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A quick definition of long-term foster care:
Long-term foster care is when a child lives with a family who is not their own for a long time, sometimes until they are grown up. This happens when the child cannot go back to live with their own family or be adopted by a new family. The state helps find and pay for the foster family, and makes sure the child is safe and taken care of. It is not always the best option for the child, but sometimes it is the only choice. The goal is always to find a safe and loving home for the child.
A more thorough explanation:
Long-term foster care is a type of foster care where a child is placed in the care of a foster family for an extended period, sometimes even until they reach adulthood. This happens when it is not possible for the child to be reunited with their birth family, adopted, or placed under guardianship.
For example, if a child has a disability or is too old to be adopted, they may be placed in long-term foster care. In some cases, limited contact with the birth family may be allowed if it is in the best interest of the child.
Long-term foster care is considered the last resort for permanent placement under the Adoption and Safe Families Act. The state welfare agency selects, trains, supervises, and pays those who serve as foster parents.
The area of social services concerned with meeting the needs of children who participate in these types of programs is also called foster care.