foster parent
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who temporarily assumes the role of parent and guardian for a child, providing care, nurture, and a home, without legally adopting the child. This arrangement is typically made through a government or authorized agency.
Usage
The term "foster parent" refers specifically to an individual in this formal, often state-sanctioned, caregiving role. It is a compound noun, but its meaning is distinct from that of a biological or adoptive parent.
Examples
- The foster parent provided a stable and loving home for the child for two years.
- Becoming a foster parent requires training and a home study assessment.
- The agency is always looking for compassionate people to become foster parents.
Advanced Usage
- "to foster parent" (verb, rare/informal): The act of serving as a foster parent. This verbal use is less common and often considered informal.
- They decided to foster parent teenagers, believing they could make a significant impact.
Variants and Related Words
- Foster mother (n): A female foster parent.
- Foster father (n): A male foster parent.
- Foster child (n): A child being cared for by a foster parent.
- Foster care (n): The system or situation in which a child lives with and is cared for by foster parents.
- Foster (v): To bring up a child that is not one's own by birth; to encourage the development of something.
Synonyms
- Guardian (in this specific context)
- Caregiver
- Substitute parent
Antonyms
- Biological parent
- Birth parent
- Natural parent
- Adoptive parent (implies permanent, legal transfer of parental rights)
Related Phrases
- Resource parent: A modern term sometimes used synonymously with "foster parent," emphasizing the provision of resources and support.
- Kinship foster parent: A foster parent who is a relative of the child.
Noun
- a person who acts as parent and guardian for a child in place of the child's natural parents but without legally adopting the child