Children make the world a better place and ensure a bright future for generations to come. While every child deserves a safe and loving home, unfortunately sometimes this is not a reality. When parents or family guardians can no longer care for their children, they may be placed into foster care, which can make a positive difference in the lives of children who have had to deal with upheaval and trauma.
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The concept of Foster Care dates back hundreds of years, when people took children under their wings and into their families when necessary. When people ask what foster care is, there is more than one right answer, as every family situation is different and there are a variety of reasons why a child may need to be placed in foster care.
Foster care agencies exist to guide children and families through the foster care system. Generally speaking, the foster care definition is a system for minors under the age of 18 who need to be placed into a ward, group home or private family home of state-approved caregivers, or foster parents, because their birth parents have died or are unable to properly care for them. The placement of foster care kids is usually arranged through a social service or government agency.
How does foster care work?
As foster care statistics show, there were an estimated 437,465 foster kids in the U.S. in September 2016. This goes to show just how necessary it is for there to be the proper systems in place to keep these children safe. Part of these safeguards include family attorneys who can help to set legal agreements and boundaries in these oftentimes complicated situations.
Family attorneys who specialize in foster care can work with government agencies and individual clients to ensure they are protected by the law and both the foster child and the foster parent will be treated with the kindness and compassion they deserve. Some examples of their work include liaising with social workers, welfare workers and caseworkers to achieve the best outcome for the children and foster families.
Sometimes, children may only stay with a foster family for a few months or a year, while others may find their forever home. In many cases, adoptive parents begin their journey by fostering kids and then moving forward with the adoption process. Attorneys can help families with the legalities of fostering and adopting, and with their help and guidance, a bright future for everyone involved is so very possible.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that assuming the responsibility for a child is a big deal, and that’s why family attorneys should be there every step of the way, ensuring that options are open and everyone is taken care of appropriately. Having a legally binding agreement is essential to any happy and healthy home life for foster children and parents. For many people, making a positive difference in the lives of kids in need is one of the most rewarding things they could ever do. That’s why fostering is so important.
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