foster care: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical (Social Work, Legal), Common in News and Public Discourse
Quick answer
What does “foster care” mean?
A system in which a child is placed under the temporary legal care and supervision of a family (foster parents) or a designated institution other than their biological parents.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system in which a child is placed under the temporary legal care and supervision of a family (foster parents) or a designated institution other than their biological parents.
The act of providing a home and family environment for a child or animal in need. Can metaphorically refer to any temporary nurturing situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is largely identical, though specific legal frameworks, administrative bodies, and age limits may vary. "Looked-after children" is a common UK administrative term encompassing foster care.
Connotations
Same core connotations of state intervention, child welfare, and temporary care.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects in relevant contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “foster care” in a Sentence
[Child] be/go into/be placed in foster care.to provide foster care for [child/animal]to be in foster careVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foster care” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The local authority decided to foster care for the child after the assessment.
- They have fostered over twenty children.
American English
- The agency worked to foster care for the siblings to keep them together.
- She decided to foster after seeing the need in her community.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The foster-care review meeting is next Tuesday.
- He is a foster-care child.
American English
- The foster care system is undergoing major reforms.
- They are foster care parents.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Frequent in sociology, social work, law, and psychology research on child welfare outcomes.
Everyday
Used in news, personal stories, and discussions about social services.
Technical
Core term in social work and family law, with specific legal definitions and procedures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foster care”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foster care”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foster care”
- Using 'a foster care' as a countable noun (incorrect: *He lived in three foster cares). Correct: He had three foster care placements.
- Confusing 'foster care' (system/state) with 'foster family' or 'foster home' (the people/place).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Foster care is meant to be temporary, with the goal often being reunification with the biological family. Adoption is a permanent legal transfer of parental rights.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction but generally include being over 21, passing background checks, completing training, and having a safe, stable home environment. Marital status, home ownership, and sexual orientation are not universal barriers.
It varies widely, from a few days to several years. The median length of stay is about 1-2 years, but many children experience multiple placements.
Often, yes. When safe and in the child's best interest, supervised visitation or other forms of contact are encouraged to maintain bonds and work towards family reunification.
A system in which a child is placed under the temporary legal care and supervision of a family (foster parents) or a designated institution other than their biological parents.
Foster care is usually formal / technical (social work, legal), common in news and public discourse in register.
Foster care: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒstə ˌkeə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːstər ˌker/ /ˈfɑːstər ˌker/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to bounce around the foster care system”
- “to age out of foster care”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FOSTER' sounds like 'FASTER' help for a child. A foster family provides faster, temporary help to nurture care.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A FAMILY (The state acts as a temporary parent). SAFETY IS A CONTAINER (A child is placed *into* the system of care).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of foster care?