{"id":351853,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/foster-care\/types-of-foster-care-group-homes-and-kinship-care.html"},"modified":"2026-07-17T15:03:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T20:03:00","slug":"types-of-foster-care-group-homes-and-kinship-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/foster-care\/types-of-foster-care-group-homes-and-kinship-care.html","title":{"rendered":"Types of Foster Care: Group Homes and Kinship Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Types of Foster Care: Group Homes and Kinship Care<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-yeban-j-d\/\">Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/nicole-prebeck-esq\/\">Nicole Prebeck, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 17, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Group homes and kinship care (with a relative) are different types of foster care. Some foster children live in residential group homes or foster homes. Other children receive care from a relative or loved one. Sometimes, caregivers may seek de facto parenthood of a child. These forms of foster care aim to meet the diverse needs of children awaiting permanent family placements.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Foster homes might make you think of a traditional family environment with two foster parents caring for one or more foster children. You might imagine a foster family living together in one house.<\/p>\n<p>These traditional foster care homes are not always the reality for foster youth. While waiting for adoptive parents, they could be placed in other types of foster care.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/foster-care.html\">Foster care placements<\/a> depend on the individual child&#8217;s needs and specific situation. This article discusses the different types of foster care available to a child as they wait to find a loving, permanent home.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about the common types of foster care below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#group\">Group home caregiving<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#individual\">Individual foster home caregiving<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#kinship\">Kinship caregiving<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#de-facto\">De facto parent caregiving<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Complex agency rules and red tape can get in the way when you&#8217;re simply trying to protect a child and preserve their ability to just be a kid. Thankfully, legal help is available. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney near you<\/a> can help you understand your rights, secure placement, and advocate for the best interests of the child.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"group\"><\/a>Types of Foster Care: Group Homes<\/h2>\n<p>States vary in how they define a &#8220;group home.&#8221; Some states require a certain number of children in a facility to be considered a group home.<\/p>\n<p>For example,\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.azleg.gov\/viewdocument\/?docName=https:\/\/www.azleg.gov\/ars\/36\/01201.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arizona<\/a>\u00a0defines a &#8220;child care group home&#8221; as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A residential facility<\/li>\n<li>Child care is regularly provided for less than 24 hours per day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There must be 5-10 children up to the age of 12 (you legally can&#8217;t have fewer than five or more than ten children)<\/p>\n<p>In\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/apps.legislature.ky.gov\/Law\/kar\/titles\/902\/020\/078\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kentucky<\/a>, a &#8220;group home&#8221; means a homelike facility for eight or fewer foster children. A sponsoring agency must operate it.<\/p>\n<p>In\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/codelibrary.amlegal.com\/codes\/glendivemt\/latest\/glendive_mt\/0-0-0-2873\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Montana<\/a>, &#8220;youth group home&#8221; means a youth care facility serving as a care provider for 7-12 children.<\/p>\n<h3>Past Issues With Group Homes<\/h3>\n<p>Group homes were initially problematic in the child welfare system. This was due to a shortage of experienced operators and a need for industry regulation.<\/p>\n<p>Children were\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.focusforhealth.org\/sex-abuse-and-the-foster-care-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">physically and sexually abused or neglected by staff.\u00a0<\/a>Some were forced to take part in the religious beliefs of their caretakers. Sometimes, untrained workers would try cruel and inhumane behavior modification techniques.<\/p>\n<p>The government did not closely monitor these group homes. Group homes could cut back on food, clothing, education, and other programs.<\/p>\n<p>These restrictions threatened foster children&#8217;s well-being and mental health in the group home. Many of these children suffered <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse\/where-to-get-help-for-child-abuse.html\">child abuse<\/a> and neglect as a result.<\/p>\n<h3>Group Home Regulations Today<\/h3>\n<p>Group homes are now under a\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/topics\/outofhome\/group-residential-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">number of federal regulations<\/a>. Unfortunately, that doesn&#8217;t stop some group homes from\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/courts.mt.gov\/external\/dcourt\/yth_court\/docs\/Foster%20Or%20Group%20Homes%20for%20Delinquent%20Children.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">continuing to abuse children<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Many group homes are well run by competent social workers or those in religious communities. Despite a lack of formal training, these people positively impact the children in their home care.<\/p>\n<p>Most group homes are small and try to integrate the children into the local community. These homes are approved and compensated by the state through financial support.<\/p>\n<p>Children in group homes attend local schools, receive around-the-clock supervision, and have a structured home. Services such as counseling, tutoring, and health care may be available.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"individual\"><\/a>Group Homes vs. Foster Homes<\/h2>\n<p>The main difference between a group home and a foster home is the caregiving structure. Both home settings can hold multiple foster children, who may be related or unrelated, under one roof. But the nature of their living arrangements can be very different.<\/p>\n<p>A group home may have many staff members and volunteers. They support children\u2019s needs and development in a professional capacity. They may form a personal connection, but their focus is usually on the daily needs of the children. Group home caregivers might also provide social work resources, such as substance abuse treatment, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/foster-care\/foster-children-medical-issues-and-children-with-disabilities.html\">disability care<\/a>, and counseling.<\/p>\n<p>Foster homes try to replicate a traditional home and family setting.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/foster-care\/foster-parent-requirements.html\">Foster home caregivers<\/a> act more like parents. Foster parents typically work to develop a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/foster-care\/how-to-foster-a-child.html\">personal relationship<\/a> with their foster children. Most foster homes only hold one child or a small group of siblings, so children often get more individual attention.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, not all foster children can find placement in an individual family home. Group care aims to serve the high demand of the foster care system and the shortage of available foster homes.<\/p>\n<p>Different care settings can also address a child\u2019s unique needs. It\u2019s important to remember that a child\u2019s placement in a certain care setting does not mean they are a \u201cproblem kid.\u201d A child\u2019s placement may depend in part on the level of care they need. Whether in a foster home or group home, children can grow up to lead fulfilling, healthy lives.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"kinship\"><\/a>Types of Foster Care: Kinship Care<\/h2>\n<p>Kinship care is the full-time care of foster children by a relative. This may be a grandparent, godparent, stepparent, or another extended family member of the child.<\/p>\n<p>Kinship care can also be available for non-relative adults who have a close bond with the child, such as family friends or neighbors. These arrangements are common for children in sibling groups who prefer to stay together.<\/p>\n<p>The expansion of kinship foster care is a\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK195980\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dramatic shift<\/a>\u00a0in child welfare practices. Kinship care is also thought to\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/pubs\/factsheets-families-partner-relatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">promote the reunification<\/a>\u00a0of the child and their biological parents. These arrangements can help reduce trauma by providing the child with a familiar, safe space.<\/p>\n<p>Families can get help from local kinship support groups to help with the transition.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Help ensure the child\u2019s best interests stay at the center of every decision. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find legal help near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Informal Kinship Care<\/h3>\n<p>Informal kinship care occurs when a family (not a court) decides that a child will live with relatives.<\/p>\n<p>The relative caregiver provides a short-term or permanent home to the child(ren) in need. These arrangements do not involve social services.<\/p>\n<p>Birth parents maintain legal custody of the child and won&#8217;t need supervision by the state. The family member does not have to be a licensed foster parent to care for the child in these situations.<\/p>\n<h3>Formal Kinship Care<\/h3>\n<p>Formal kinship care involves caregivers parenting the children after a determination by a court or a\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse\/child-abuse-information-by-state.html\">Child Protective Services<\/a>\u00a0(CPS) agency.<\/p>\n<p>The court may rule that the child must separate from their birth parents. This could be because of abuse, neglect, dependency, abandonment, or special medical circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>The child may be placed in the legal custody of the child welfare agency, or the relative may get temporary custody.<\/p>\n<p>Due to some changes in federal law, relatives may be &#8220;<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/kycir.org\/2021\/04\/05\/kentuckys-budget-shrunk-these-informal-foster-parents-were-left-with-nothing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">child-specific foster parents<\/a>.&#8221; This is when social services have legal custody of the child, but the child is placed with a relative. The relative may have to complete foster care courses to maintain the placement long-term or take temporary custody of the child(ren).<\/p>\n<p>Once approved, these situations may provide the child with a short-term or permanent family.<\/p>\n<h3>Can a Non-Relative Get Custody of a Child?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, adults who aren\u2019t biologically related to the child can seek custody in some cases. State laws typically call this arrangement \u201cnon-relative kinship care\u201d or \u201cfictive kin placement.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For example, a close neighbor or family friend might want to foster the child. This intervention may happen after the biological parent\u2019s death, incarceration, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/parental-rights-and-liability\/terminating-parental-rights.html\">loss of parental rights<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can apply for a foster parenting license through the court. This process can give you the legal rights and responsibilities of a foster parent. You must have an existing close relationship with the child.<\/p>\n<p>Fictive kin placement is usually a last resort. This option is available if the child has no relatives suitable for fostering them. But in such cases, living with someone who is already present in their life may be better for the child than being placed with a stranger through the child welfare system.<\/p>\n<h3>Case Management from Social Services<\/h3>\n<p>Once social services are involved, caseworkers will provide case management. They will remain in contact with the child and the foster parents until the court case closes. In some cases, they will be done when the social services case closes. This can be before or after the court case ends.<\/p>\n<p>Before social services place a child in a kinship placement, the home must be investigated and approved.<\/p>\n<h3>Laws and Funding For Formal Kinship Care<\/h3>\n<p>Formal kinship care is linked to state and federal child welfare laws. Federal legislation impacting kinship care includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/resources\/adoption-assistance-and-child-welfare-act-1980-pl-96-272\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/OP_Home\/ssact\/title04\/0400.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title IV of the Social Security Act<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/civil-rights-and-american-indians-history-and-law.html\">Indian Child Welfare Act<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Kinship caregivers may be able to access the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics\/types-of-social-security-benefits.html\">Social Security<\/a>\u00a0funds<\/li>\n<li>Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (<a class=\"atom_link atom_valid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acf.hhs.gov\/ofa\/programs\/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TANF<\/a>) funds<\/li>\n<li>Medical help or health care for the child<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A child may also receive more support if they have a disability or special needs.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"de-facto\"><\/a>Full-Time Caregivers May Get Parental Rights as De Facto Parents<\/h2>\n<p>A non-parent may help raise a child by providing daily necessities, such as food and shelter. Their long-term involvement in the child\u2019s life creates an emotional bond.<\/p>\n<p>This third party may petition the court to become a \u201cde facto\u201d parent. A de facto parent is someone other than a legal or biological parent who plays a parental role in a child\u2019s life.<\/p>\n<p>Normally, only a formal adoption or foster placement would give you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/parental-rights-and-liability.html\">parental rights<\/a>. But some states extend these rights to de facto parents.<\/p>\n<p>De facto parentage may grant the following rights:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Right to seek custody or visitation<\/li>\n<li>Right to seek child support from the legal or biological parent<\/li>\n<li>Right to access the child\u2019s school and medical records<\/li>\n<li>Right to make decisions for their education and health care<\/li>\n<li>Right to claim tax deductions or public benefits for the child\u2019s care<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills\/inheritance-law-and-your-rights.html\">Inheritance rights<\/a> for the child<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sometimes, the de facto parent is a relative like a grandparent, aunt, or uncle. Or they might be a non-relative like a babysitter or coach. They may also be a stepparent, former foster parent, or partner of the legal parent.<\/p>\n<p>Getting de facto parentage rights can be challenging. State laws vary. These cases often require the help of a family law attorney.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Considering Foster Care or Kinship Care? Get Legal Help First<\/h2>\n<p>Laws relating to the care of children can be very complicated. If you are considering these options, you should talk to support services or family services. Consider discussing types of foster care or parental rights with an attorney.<\/p>\n<p>A\u00a0family law lawyer can help ensure your attempts to establish a group home, foster a relative, or adopt a foster child follow your state laws.<\/p>\n<div id=\"readmore\">\n<p>FindLaw\u2019s directory of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals near you. Because your state\u2019s family laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in your state. Your search results will also show important details about potential lawyers, including ratings and whether they offer free case evaluations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" 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                 >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Fostering a child can involve many people and support services\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help you navigate the process and systems\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You need legal help for any issue that could affect the foster placement\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>You can hire an attorney at different points in the fostering process. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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main options for foster care are group homes and kinship care. Learn about how these options work, how they run, and more at FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351845,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned"]},"categories":[2730],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351853","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-family"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351853"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351853\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":401894,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351853\/revisions\/401894"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351853"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351853"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}