Family foster care<\/strong> is a child protection measure whereby the guardianship and care of a minor are entrusted to a person or family \u2014the foster family\u2014 when the child\u2019s parents are unable to care for them temporarily or permanently, or when the child\u2019s situation requires it for protection reasons.<\/p>\n This measure allows the minor to participate fully in the family life of the foster person or family, who assumes obligations such as looking after them, keeping them in their company, feeding them, educating them and providing them with comprehensive development in an affectionate environment.<\/p>\n Unlike adoption, this arrangement does not, in itself, terminate the legal ties between the minor and their family of origin. The parents retain parental authority<\/strong>, unless it has been suspended or removed by court decision.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This child protection measure may take different forms depending on the child\u2019s situation, the expected return to the family of origin and the duration of the arrangement.<\/p>\n Emergency care<\/strong> applies when the minor needs immediate attention while the most appropriate protection measure is decided. It is intended especially for children under six years of age and has a limited duration.<\/p>\n Temporary foster care<\/strong> is transitional in nature. It is used when the situation preventing the parents from caring for the child is reversible and the child\u2019s reintegration into the family of origin is expected, or while a more stable protection measure is being adopted.<\/p>\n Permanent foster care<\/strong> is established when, after assessing the circumstances of the child and their family of origin, family reunification is considered impossible or not advisable in the short or medium term. It may continue for a prolonged period, always taking into account the child\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A foster family may be any person or family that meets the suitability requirements established by the public authority responsible for child protection.<\/p>\n The aspects usually assessed include personal and family stability, the ability to meet the child\u2019s needs, real availability to assume foster care, the absence of records incompatible with child protection, and an understanding that this is a measure aimed at the child\u2019s welfare.<\/p>\n When appropriate for the child, the possibility of placing the minor within the extended family is usually considered, such as grandparents, uncles and aunts, older siblings or other close relatives, provided that they meet the necessary conditions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Foster care may be agreed by the public authority responsible for child protection or, in certain cases, by court decision.<\/p>\n As a general rule, the public authority assesses the child\u2019s situation, selects the most appropriate type of care and determines whether there is a suitable foster family. When the parents object, consent is lacking or the situation requires judicial intervention, a judge\u2019s decision may be necessary.<\/p>\n In all cases, the measure must be adopted taking into account the best interests of the child<\/strong> and seeking, where possible and appropriate, to maintain their family and emotional ties.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Although both institutions seek to protect the child, foster care and adoption have very different legal effects.<\/p>\nContents<\/h2>\n
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Types of foster care<\/h2>\n
Emergency care<\/h3>\n
Temporary foster care<\/h3>\n
Permanent foster care<\/h3>\n
Who can be a foster family?<\/h2>\n
Who decides on foster care?<\/h2>\n
Differences from adoption<\/h2>\n