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

1. 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