What is Adult Foster Care Vs Traditional and Extended Foster Care
Foster care is a component of the child welfare system that provides supportive services for children and young adults who cannot live safely with their legal guardians or parents. It provides them with a supportive environment where they receive guidance in a loving home setting.
READ MORE: What is the Purpose of Foster Care?
This form of traditional foster care is for children under 18-21 (depending on the state) as the state works on finding them a permanent home, or while they wait for reunification with their birth families. Extended foster care allows young adults aging out of the foster care system to remain or voluntarily re-enter foster care in order to continue having support (housing, financial support, etc.) while they work toward independent living.
READ MORE: Fact: The Primary Goal of Foster Care is Family Reunification
Adult foster care, despite the name, is not part of the same system that traditional foster care belongs to. Adult foster care is a long-term, residential program for adults who require assistance living their everyday lives due to medical conditions, aging, or disability.
Traditional Foster Care
Traditional foster care is for children under 18 who cannot safely live with their parents. They stay with foster parents or in licensed homes that provide daily living support, education help, and a safe environment.
- Foster parents give a supportive home where children feel safe.
- Social workers and case managers make a case plan to track school, therapy, and life skills.
- Children are encouraged to finish high school or secondary education and may get help with postsecondary or vocational education.
- Placement lasts until the child is reunited with a guardian, adopted, or ages out of foster care.
Extended Foster Care
- Provide a safety net for youth leaving the foster care system.
- Support foster youth in completing secondary education or postsecondary or vocational education.
- Reduce the risk of houselessness or involvement with the criminal justice system
Services:
- Supervised independent living placements, including apartments or college dormitories.
- Financial assistance and access to education or work programs.
- Transitional independent living plans for goals in school, work, and independent living.
- Option to re-enter foster care if eligibility requirements are met.
Adult Foster Care
Adult foster care is for adults who cannot live alone due to medical conditions, disabilities, or age. It is separate from traditional and extended foster care and is not part of the child welfare system.
Adults live in a host home or small group home with caregivers who help with daily living. There are no court hearings, legal guardians, or child welfare case plans.
- Assistance with daily living, such as meals, dressing, bathing, and medication management.
- Access to social services, appointments, and sometimes vocational education or employment support.
- Care from case managers or social workers to ensure safety and adherence to eligibility requirements.
- A supportive environment designed to maximize independence while maintaining safety.
Real Examples to Help You Understand
Example 1 — Traditional Foster Care:
A 10‑year‑old child is placed with a licensed foster parent after their home was unsafe. They attend school, get therapy, and meet monthly with social workers and case managers to work on a case plan. The goal is to either return home or find a permanent family.
Example 2 — Extended Foster Care:
A 19‑year‑old who has been in foster care wants to go to community college. They ask to stay in extended foster care until age 21. They continue their education, receive housing support, and work on independent living goals with a case manager’s help.
Example 3 — Adult Foster Care:
A 70‑year‑old adult with mobility issues moves into an adult foster care home where a caregiver helps with bathing, meals, medication, and transportation to medical appointments. This care is not connected to the child welfare system.
Key Differences Between Programs
| Feature | Traditional Foster Care | Extended Foster Care | Adult Foster Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Children under 18 | Young adults (18–21) | Adults needing daily living support |
| Part of child welfare system? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Living arrangements | Foster parents’ homes, group homes | Supervised independent living placements, college dormitories | Host home or small group home |
| Focus/goal | Safety, permanency, education, reunification | Education, employment, independent living program | Daily living, medical care, safety |
| Support provided | Foster care services, case management, social workers | Extended foster care services, transitional independent living plan, financial assistance | Supportive services, help with daily living and medical conditions |
| Duration | Until reunification, adoption, or leaving care | Until age 21 (with re-entry option) | As long as adult meets eligibility requirements |
Conclusion
Although the name “adult foster care” can be confusing, it is not part of the child welfare foster care system.
- Traditional foster care protects children and provides foster care services.
- Extended foster care supports young adults transitioning to independence with education, supervised independent living, and life skills.
- Adult foster care provides long-term support for adults with medical conditions or disabilities, focusing on daily living, safety, and independence.
Knowing what adult foster care is vs other types of foster care in the child welfare system ensures children, youth, and adults receive the appropriate services, support, and guidance at the right stage in life.
