My brother is kind of failing as a parent. My mom has taken custody of his kids for the time being, but won't be able to take care of them long-term, so foster care is a real option, sadly. Any way you can help me understand that process, or the history of it?
yea well the foster care system might be something to look into.  they have group homes, foster homes, and they are state certified caregivers
Right, but what's something more specific you could tell me, that I may not know?
well the first thing in foster care is that the placement of a child is normally arranged through the government or social service agency once they decided to take custody
I'm with you so far. What else about the process may I not know?
well the state via a family court and child protection services agency, stand in to care for the minor, making all legal decisions while the foster parent is responsbile for the child
Ah, I see. So that's who would be making the decisions afterwards. This is pretty helpful. It's worrisome, but at least some blanks are getting filled. Anything else you can leave me with?
its said that the vast majority of children who would otherwise need foster care are in the kinship care, that is, in the care of grandparents or other relatives