What overarching goal does the foster care system aim to achieve?

The primary goal of the foster care system is to provide safe interim care and stability for children who cannot remain in their biological homes. This safety and stability are crucial as they help mitigate the trauma that children may experience due to potentially harmful situations at home. The foster care system serves as a temporary solution, with the aim of either reunifying children with their families when appropriate or transitioning them to a more permanent situation, such as adoption or guardianship.

While options that mention reducing the number of children in care or ensuring permanent homes for every child are important aspects of the broader child welfare mission, the immediate focus of the foster care system is on providing a stable and secure environment for children during a vulnerable period in their lives. Thus, the emphasis on safe interim care recognizes that foster care is meant to protect children while longer-term solutions are pursued.