Foster care is implemented through voluntary and compulsory foster care placements. Voluntary placements are required for children who need to be separated from their biological parents or guardians for a short duration of period. The child would be with the foster parents till he gets reunited with his family or is adopted. Even in situations where the child is undergoing a specialized treatment for behavioral problems and parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child, voluntary foster care is preferred. Compulsory foster care placements are required when the child has to be permanently separated from the family so as to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Foster care is also required for children who have lost their parents due to fatal accidents and life-threatening diseases and orphans.

      As per the United States Adoption and Safe Families Act, one has to be certified in order to become a foster parent. In order to become a certified foster parent, one has to undergo a complete training program that includes orientation and pre-service training. There are various licensed institutes offering certified online training programs to parents who want to raise kids with love and affection. While some sites offer free training to parents, other sites offer the training at a nominal fee. Parents are briefed about foster care, kinship care and adoption during the orientation classes. Pre-service training involves sessions related to various issues involved with children including medical, dental and counseling appointments, child abuse, maltreatment, attachment, grief and loss due to separation, inculcating discipline, adoption, cultural issues and reuniting children with their biological families.