They are expected to provide a structured and nurturing home which provides appropriate discipline and expectations of the child as a member of the family. As described by a foster parent. Foster parents play an essential role in contributing vital information about the child to the team. As the foster parent is the primary caregiver and observes behaviors that indicate the progress or needs of the child, it is important that he or she be involved in team meetings or staffings. While foster parents provide daily care, they also serve as advocates for permanence for the child.
Foster parents collaborate with the other team members to ensure the child's best interest.
The foster parent, preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child shall be given notice of, and an opportunity to be heard in, any review or hearing with respect to the child, except that this subsection shall not be construed to required that any foster parent, preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child be made a party to such a review or hearing solely on the basis of the notice and opportunity to be heard. These parties are entitled to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. The court may permit intervention when the child has lived with the foster parents for at least six months and they file a motion for affirmative relief. The court will consider their rationale for intervening and whether intervention is in the best interests of the child. A Foster Parent's View Foster parents advocate for the best interest of the child in all settings, from CRB meetings to medical evaluations.