However, only a parent, guardian, or juvenile court has the authority to place a child in DFCS custody. As of August 2000, about 12,887 children were in state custody. On the average, there are 12,800 children in DFCS custody, about 675 are served in intensive, intermediate, or therapeutic settings because they need treatment for serious emotional problems. Some 39.2 percent are white, and 60.4 percent are African-American. The remaining 3 percent come from other ethnic backgrounds.
Some children stay in foster care throughout their teen years.
About 1,060 teens are served through the Independent Living program, a transition program that prepares teens ages 16-21 for independence and adulthood. Services include financial assistance for college and technical school, help in finding a job, and life skills such as housekeeping and budgeting. About 692 DFCS case managers statewide serve the foster care program. Foster parents are recruited primarily by county DFCS staff. They look for foster parents who are in good physical and mental health, with homes that meet the minimum standards set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.