Foster Care vs. Adoption

When looking to help in a child’s life, an individual may consider either foster care or adoption. Either choice can greatly influence and change a child’s life. Foster care is when a child is placed in the home of a state certified caregiver. Generally these care givers are referred to as a foster parent. A foster care parent is responsible of taking care of the child on a day to day basis; therefore they must provide them with food, shelter, health care and clothing. Although the foster care parent is responsible for the child’s daily functioning, the state is entitled to make all legal decisions. Foster care is intended to be a short term placement until the child is granted permanent placement in another home.

Adoption is when a person takes full custody of a child. Often adoption is done by a biological family member; however that is not always the case. When a child is adopted all rights are transferred over to the adoptive parent. Adoption can be done through an open adoption, where biological parents and adoptive parents discuss the adoption, or through a closed adoption, where adoptive parents have no connection with biological parents. Adoption agencies are used to clarify the adoption as well as ensure the possible safety of the child.

Regardless of whether a person chooses to adopt or become a foster parent, each option can positively help the child. It is important when considering either method to make sure that the person is able to handle to complications and struggles of being a parent.

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