Who are the Children in Foster Care?

Children in foster care come from a variety of diverse backgrounds, ethnic and cultural populations and each child has unique strengths and needs. They have been temporarily seperated from their families while the Department of Children, Youth, and Families works with their family to safely return them home when possible.

Children range in age from birth to 21 years. Many have brothers or sisters in foster care with them. Most have experienced abuse or neglect. Some children have special needs; they may be physically, behaviorally, mentally or emotionally challenged. Some may need foster parents with special caregiving skills due to physical health issues or developmental delays. Infants may be medically fragile and some children have challenges due to a parent’s prior drug or alcohol abuse.

All foster children are affected by the separation from their family. Sometimes this stress shows up in their behavior. Some children have not experienced the usual routines of family life and need additional understanding and patience.

Children enter foster care through no fault of their own. However, children or youth who have faced trauma sometimes have learned behaviors to keep themselves safe, or to meet their needs in other ways. Foster parents offer a loving and nurturing home where each child can feel safe and is celebrated for his or her unique gifts.

When you become a foster parent, you become part of a team that is dedicated to protecting children, supporting families, and helping young people develop their fullest potential. Foster care is all about teamwork.