Children who live in families that are unable or unwilling to care for them need the strength of a stable and secure environment.

The Department of Children's Services is responsible for providing temporary care or foster care for many of these children. DCS recruits foster families who provide safe and supportive homes in which the children's emotional, physical and social needs can be met.

Foster care is a temporary service until the family and, in some cases, the child can address the problems which made placement necessary.

When parents cannot or will not make their home safe for the child's return, other permanent options are sought. These include adoption, or, for older youth, independent living arrangements.

Clients' Rights Handbook