• Foster parents sometimes give care and support temporarily until a child is legally adopted by others. See FOSTER CARE. Cf. foster child under CHILD. [Cases: Infants 226. C.J.S. Adoption of Persons §§ 10–12.]
foster parent
An adult who, though without blood ties or legal ties, cares for and rears a child, esp. an orphaned or neglected child who might otherwise be deprived of nurture, usu. under the auspices and direction of an agency and for some compensation or benefit.