Foster family care is a social service that provides substitute or interim family living arrangements for children who, for various reasons, cannot stay in their own homes and must be separated from their natural or legal parents. The goal of foster family care is to give children experiences in family living that are vital for their healthy growth and development when their own parents cannot provide this. Foster family homes are chosen and approved by the agency responsible for placing and supervising children. 

The agency collaborates with all parties involved, including the child, their family, and the foster family. The primary goal is to return the child to their own family within a planned or reasonable timeframe. If returning the child is not possible, the best alternative plan is developed to ensure the child's welfare.