What is a Foster or Proctor Parent?
Foster and proctor parents, also referred to as professional parents, are single individuals and married couples who provide care to children placed in their home. Foster or proctor parents provide a home family environment, nutritious meals, companionship, guidance and physical, social, and emotional care to children ages 0-18. Foster and Proctor care may be short term or for several years depending upon the needs of the child and his/her family. Typically, a foster parent will provide care to children who are in the custody of the State Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), while a proctor parent will provide care to children who are in the custody of the State Division of Juvenile Justice Services (DJJS).
