| Aspect | Foster Parent | Foster Care Case Manager |
|---|
| Required Credentials | Background check, training, sometimes certification | Social work degree, licensing, training |
| Work Environment | Home-based, caring for foster children | Office and fieldwork, coordinating care |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Child welfare agencies, foster care programs | Child welfare agencies, social service organizations |
Foster parents provide direct care and a temporary home for foster children, while foster care case managers coordinate services, monitor progress, and support both children and foster families. Both roles are essential in the foster care system but differ in responsibilities and work settings.