The child welfare system – or foster care system – refers to the array of services and programs designed to ensure the children’s safety and wellbeing. Most families become involved in this system after suspected child abuse or neglect. Children remain in foster care temporarily until they are able to safely reunify with their family, are adopted, or “age out” of foster care and transition into adulthood.

When children are removed from their families to ensure their safety, the first goal is to reunite them as soon as possible. This is called reunification, and it is the most common outcome for children in foster care. It requires intensive, family-centered services and support, and resource parents can be one of the most vital components of this process.