What does a foster parent do?

A Foster Parent is an adult who is certified by the state to provide children with a temporary home and family until they can be safely reunited with their biological family or another safe, permanent home is found for them. Foster Parents must be ready to accept the placement of children at any time. Children who are placed in the care of Foster Parents typically come from less-than-ideal situations, so Foster Parents are instrumental in showing children in foster care stability, while helping them heal and putting the best interests of the children first. Requirements and duties vary by state, but most Foster Parents are asked to support the goal of the foster care system, which is the reunification of the foster child with their biological family. As such, Foster Parents may be asked to facilitate family visitations or attend court appearances.