foster parent
Also called: wali asuh
A person who takes on the caregiving and living costs of a child without legally adopting them.
What it means
A foster parent is a person or family who cares for and raises a child who is not their biological child, temporarily or for a set period. Their role may come through a social welfare institution or a family agreement. Foster parents are responsible for the child's daily needs during the caregiving period. This role differs from adoption, which permanently changes the child's legal status.
Why it matters for families
The foster parent role affects who makes daily decisions about the child's schooling, health, and safety. If the boundaries of the role are unclear, conflicts can arise with the biological parents or guardian. A written agreement on costs and caregiving duration helps prevent misunderstandings. The child is also better protected when responsibilities are clear.
Example
For example, a child lives with an aunt and uncle while their parents work out of town. They provide daily care, while school costs are still sent by the biological parents. An agreement on monthly money and communication schedules is made from the start. This pattern keeps the child connected to their parents.
Common misunderstanding
It is often assumed that foster parents have full legal rights like biological parents. The correction: a foster parent's authority is limited to the agreed caregiving and does not automatically change the child's legal status.