How long do children stay in foster care? - Amara

How long do children stay in foster care?

A child may stay in foster care for a few days, a few months, or a few years; however, the median length of time is 18 months. Parents with children in foster care are offered supports, services, and visits with their children so their child may be returned to their care. The majority of children are successfully reunited with their parents. When that is not safely possible, other outcomes include guardianship, emancipation, adoption or “aging out.”

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