APA Dictionary of Psychology

temporary care provided to children in settings outside their family of origin and by individuals other than their natural or adoptive parents. Foster care is intended to protect children whose parents are unavailable, exhibit abusive behavior, or are incapable of providing proper care, with the ultimate goal being to find a secure and permanent home. Typically, a child is placed with a family approved for foster care and paid a fee for such by a public child welfare agency. Although these foster home arrangements are most common, children may also be placed in group homes or institutions. See also adult foster care.