Do the children have contact with their birth parents while in foster care?
Foster parents are asked to support the child’s connection to the birth family as the goal of foster care is usually to return children to their biological families. It is intended to be a short-term arrangement until kids can safely return to their family. Some children have been removed from their homes because they have suffered abuse or neglect, or because their parents cannot take care of them. The safety of children is most important. Whenever possible, efforts are made so the child and his or her biological family can stay together. When appropriate (as determined by the child welfare agency and Children’s Court), biological parents have opportunities to visit and have contact with their children. The ideal fostering situation is one in which all interested parties work in partnership toward the best interests of the child. This is not always possible or appropriate.
