goal, goal change
Each child in foster care is assigned a goal which may be reunification with the birthfamily, adoption, long-term foster care, or independent living. A court hearing is required for a goal to be changed. Usually a child must have a goal of adoption before adoptive families are considered.

group home
A home like setting staffed by trained personnel where a group of children, adolescents or young adults live. Group homes may provide temporary shelter or a long-term living arrangement, and may be staffed by one set of houseparents or a rotating staff. In some areas, children may move from foster care to pre-adoptive group homes to prepare for being adopted. Group homes are also typically used for adolescents who may be close to ageing out of foster care, and for adults who may need assistance with daily living skills.

guardian, guardianship
A guardian is a person who fulfills some of the responsibilities of a legal parent while the courts or birthparents may continue to hold other legal responsibilities for the child. Guardianship is subject to ongoing supervision by the court and ends by court order or when the child reaches the age of majority. Guardianship may be used as an alternative to adoption in some kinship care situations in which a child's relative is assuming a parental role but prefers not to adopt. In some states, such guardians are entitled to the same benefits as foster or adoptive parents.

guardian ad litem
A person, often an attorney, appointed by the court to represent the interests of a child in a particular court case.