Foster care is a state program that provides temporary substitute homes for children whose families cannot provide a safe and nurturing environment for them. It is one of the many programs administered by the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).

Children in foster care
Children come into the custody of DFCS for many reasons. However, only a parent, guardian or juvenile court has the authority to place a child in DFCS custody. As of July 2002, about 13,965 children were in state custody. Of these:

• 7,768 were in family foster care
• 734 were placed in child-caring institutions or hospitals
• 962 were in group homes
• 2,696 were placed with relatives or were in their parents’ home until the court could return legal custody
• 628 children were in foster care with relatives
• 460 children were free for adoption and placed in adoptive homes

Of the 13,965 children in DFCS custody about 734 are served in intensive, intermediate, or therapeutic settings because they need treatment for serious emotional problems.

The ages of children in DFCS custody range from birth to 21 years; the average age is about 9. Roughly 42 percent are white and 55 percent are African American. The remaining 3 percent come from other ethnic backgrounds.

Some children stay in foster care throughout their teen years. About 1,287 teens are served through the Independent Living program, a transition program that prepares teens ages 16-21 for independence and adulthood. Services include financial assistance for college and technical school, help in finding a job, and life skills such as housekeeping and budgeting. In FFY 2000, 173 teenagers completed some type of high school or post-secondary training or college program.

About 692 DFCS case managers statewide serve the foster care program. Their responsibilities include:

• Working with birth families on meeting goals outlined in case plans for reunification
• Selecting and placing the child in a suitable home or other placement option
• Supporting foster parents in their role as agency partners in providing care for children
• Working with other community agencies to meet the ongoing needs of children
• Keeping the court informed about the status of cases

Foster Parents
Foster parents are recruited primarily by county DFCS staff. They look for foster parents who are in good physical and mental health, with homes that meet the minimum standards set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources. There are about 3,454 family foster homes in Georgia.

Foster parents provide only temporary custody for children, but if a foster child becomes available for adoption, foster parents often adopt the child. In fact, foster parents account for more than 80 percent of DFCS adoptions.

Prospective foster parents must complete 30 hours of pre-service training (GPS/MAPP). Physical exams, drug screens and criminal record checks are required. Homes also must meet other safety requirements. Foster parents complete 15 hours of parent development training and a re-evaluation every year.

The number of children placed in a home varies. Foster parents are reimbursed according to the age of the child. The rate is higher for children needing medical care or a higher level of supervision. Medical treatment and clothing costs are covered by the agency.

A toll-free foster parent support and intake line (1-888-310-8260) is available for foster parents and others wanting information about Georgia’s foster care program.