foster parent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “foster parent” mean?
A person who temporarily cares for and raises a child who is not their biological child, usually through a legal or social welfare arrangement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who temporarily cares for and raises a child who is not their biological child, usually through a legal or social welfare arrangement.
A person who provides parental care and nurturing to a child in need, often in a formal capacity within the foster care system, but can also refer more broadly to anyone who takes on a parental role for a child not their own.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. The term is identical in both varieties. The administrative systems (foster care systems) differ, but the term for the individual is the same.
Connotations
Similar connotations of care, support, and temporary guardianship within a legal framework.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, as it is a standard term in social work, law, and general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “foster parent” in a Sentence
[foster parent] + of + [child][child] + is placed with + [foster parents][verb: become/act as/serve as] + a + [foster parent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foster parent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to foster a teenager.
- She has fostered several children over the years.
American English
- They chose to foster a sibling group.
- He has been fostering for a decade.
adverb
British English
- The child was placed fosterly and with great care. (Note: 'fosterly' is archaic/rare).
- They parented the child foster-wise. (Note: 'foster-wise' is non-standard).
American English
- (No standard adverb form derived directly from 'foster parent'. Context uses phrases like 'in a foster capacity').
adjective
British English
- The foster care system needs reform.
- They attended a foster family assessment.
American English
- The foster care placement was successful.
- She is a licensed foster parent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typical. Possibly in HR contexts discussing family leave policies for foster parents.
Academic
Common in social work, psychology, sociology, and legal studies discussing child welfare systems.
Everyday
Used in general conversation about family, childcare, and social services.
Technical
Standard term in social work, family law, and child protection services.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foster parent”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foster parent”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foster parent”
- Using 'foster parent' interchangeably with 'adoptive parent' (adoption is permanent).
- Omitting the space: 'fosterparent' is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, single individuals can become foster parents in most jurisdictions, provided they meet the necessary criteria for stability, safety, and capability.
No. A foster parent provides temporary care, often within a state system. An adoptive parent assumes permanent, legal parenthood of a child.
The terms are largely synonymous. 'Foster carer' is a more common official term in UK social work, while 'foster parent' is equally common in everyday UK and US English.
Foster parents typically receive a stipend or allowance from the state or agency to cover the child's expenses. This is not considered a salary but reimbursement for costs.
A person who temporarily cares for and raises a child who is not their biological child, usually through a legal or social welfare arrangement.
Foster parent is usually formal to neutral in register.
Foster parent: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒstə ˌpeərənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːstɚ ˌperənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to foster a child (related verbal phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'foster' as related to 'food' (from Old English 'fostrian' meaning 'to feed'). A foster parent feeds and nourishes a child in their care.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARENTHOOD IS NURTURING (A foster parent embodies the nurturing aspect of parenthood without the biological link).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key distinction between a foster parent and an adoptive parent?