The meaning of FOSTER is having, relating to, or being the relationship between a foster parent and the child who the foster parent cares for. How to use foster in a sentence.

Foster families come from all walks of life and are needed all across Illinois. Foster parents must be at least 21 years old and can be married, in a civil union, single, divorced or separated.

FOSTER meaning: 1. to take care of a child, usually for a limited time, without being the child's legal parent: 2…. Learn more.

In foster care, the age range of children can be anywhere from infant to 18 years old. The children in Illinois who are ready to be adopted are generally school-aged children (8 years old and above) and …

If you foster a child, you take it into your family for a period of time, without becoming its legal parent. She has since gone on to find happiness by fostering more than 100 children. [VERB noun]

1. to promote the growth or development of: to foster new ideas. 2. to bring up; rear: to foster a child.

To foster is to nurture something. A teacher could foster creativity by providing crayons to every student. You can also foster a child, which means the child lives in your home for a time.

How do I become a foster care parent?

Children and youth thrive when they can live safely with their families in their communities. However, when home environments are not safe, children and youth may temporarily live in out-of-home …

Jan 14, 2026 · foster (countable and uncountable, plural fosters) (countable, informal) A foster parent.