Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who acts as a parent and guardian for a child in place of the child's natural parents but without legally adopting the child: A foster-parent provides a temporary or long-term home and care for a child whose biological parents are unable to do so. This relationship is typically arranged through a government or social service agency.

Usage

• The term "foster-parent" is used to describe an adult in a formal caregiving role within the foster care system.
• It is a compound noun, often written with a hyphen. The plural form is "foster-parents."
• It is used in both formal contexts (legal, social work) and everyday conversation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After the court hearing, the child was placed with a kind foster-parent.
  • The agency provides training and support for new foster-parents.
  • She has been a foster-parent to over a dozen children throughout her career.

Advanced Usage

• "To act as a foster-parent": To take on the role and responsibilities of a foster-parent.
  • They decided to act as foster-parents for the teenager while his family situation was resolved.
• "Foster-parent training/licensing": Refers to the official process required to become a certified foster-parent.
  • Completing foster-parent training is mandatory before a child can be placed in the home.

Variants and Related Words

• Foster care (n): The system or service in which children are placed with approved foster-parents.
  • The child spent several years in foster care.
• Foster child (n): A child who is being raised by a foster-parent.
  • Their foster child joined the family last spring.
• Foster family (n): A family unit that includes one or more foster children.
  • The foster family provided a stable and loving environment.
• Foster mother / Foster father (n): Specific terms for a female or male foster-parent.
  • His foster father taught him how to ride a bike.

Synonyms

• Guardian: A person who has the legal authority and duty to care for another person (this can be a broader term).
• Caregiver: A person who provides care, especially to someone who is sick, disabled, or young (a more general term).

Antonyms

• Biological parent / Natural parent: A parent who is genetically related to the child.
• Adoptive parent: A person who has legally adopted a child, assuming full and permanent parental rights.

Related Phrases

• "To take into foster care": The action of placing a child with a foster-parent.
  • The social worker had to take the siblings into foster care.
• "Foster placement": The specific instance or arrangement of a child living with a foster-parent.
  • The foster placement was intended to be short-term.

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