Fosterhjem

A fosterhjem, or foster home, is a family environment that provides temporary or long-term care for children who cannot safely live with their birth families. It is part of the child welfare system and aims to offer safety, stability, and supportive care while family circumstances are addressed or a permanent plan is pursued.

Fosterforeldre (foster parents) are adults approved by child welfare or social services to care for these children. They receive training, ongoing support, and compensation to cover costs, and are subject to background checks, home visits, and periodic reviews to maintain safety standards.

The placement process typically involves an application, assessment, licensing, and case-by-case matching. Placements are planned in the child’s best interests and may aim for reunification with birth parents, placement with relatives, or a permanent arrangement such as guardianship or adoption.

Placements can be short-term, long-term, or specialized for children with particular needs. Kinship foster care places children with relatives to preserve family connections.

Children in foster care have rights to safety, education, healthcare, and to have a voice in decisions about their lives. Foster families have duties to provide consistent care and to collaborate with birth families when appropriate.

Governments or local authorities oversee foster care, offering supervision and support services. Outcomes depend on stability, resources, and the availability of trained, well-supported foster families.