This is a fundamental protection measure for children who are separated from their parents for different reasons. Foster care gives these children the opportunity to have the support and affection of a family. The main objectives are as follows:
- Provide the child with a safe, rules-based and emotionally stable environment in which to develop attachment
- To allow the full and harmonious development of the minor in a climate of acceptance, protection and affection, without losing the relationship and bond with his or her biological family
- Maintain and improve the child's relationship with his or her parents and/or biological family, unless they can be harmful.
- Provide the child with a reference and imitation model. In this way, he will be able to know an appropriate family model for when he decides to create his own family in the future.
- Avoid the institutionalization of minors by offering an alternative to residential centres.
In any case, the final objective of foster care is the return of the minor to his or her home once the family's difficulties have been overcome.
Read the full article on: What Is Foster Care? How Does It Work in United States? ( 60).