Foster care (also known as out-of-home care) is a temporary service provided by each state for children who cannot live with their families. Children in foster care may live with relatives or with unrelated foster parents. Foster care can also refer to placement settings such as group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, and supervised independent living.
In Georgia, foster care is regulated by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) under the Department of Human Services. The purpose of foster care is to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children who are temporarily unable to live with their biological families due to safety concerns, abuse, neglect, or other family crises. Foster care placements can include living with approved relatives, unrelated licensed foster parents, group homes, residential care facilities, emergency shelters, or supervised independent living programs for older youth. The goal is always to work towards family reunification when it is in the best interest of the child. However, if reunification is not possible, other permanent solutions such as adoption or guardianship are pursued. The state of Georgia requires potential foster parents to undergo a rigorous application process, including background checks, training, and home inspections, to ensure the welfare of the children placed in their care.