Foster care, a system designed to protect children from abuse, neglect, and abandonment, is a cornerstone of child welfare in the United States. Every year, hundreds of thousands of children rely on this system for safety and stability when their own families are unable to provide it. But the foster care system as we know it today is the result of centuries of evolution, reflecting changing societal views on childhood, poverty, and governmental responsibility. Understanding when foster care programs started requires a journey through history, exploring the key milestones that shaped this vital support system.
Children playing in a historical orphanage evoking early foster care concepts
Early Foundations: English Poor Laws (1500s)
The earliest roots of foster care can be traced back to the 16th century with the English Poor Laws. These laws addressed poverty and social welfare, including the care of orphaned and destitute children. Under these laws, children without families or adequate support were often placed into indentured servitude. This system, unfortunately, crossed the Atlantic with European colonization and became the initial form of “foster care” in the American colonies. Children were placed in homes, not primarily for nurturing care, but as a source of labor until they reached adulthood. These early placements lacked the structured oversight and child-centered focus that define modern foster care.
The First “Foster Child” in the Colonies (1636)
A significant, albeit early, marker in American child welfare history is the record of Benjamin Eaton in 1636. Just a few decades after the establishment of Jamestown, seven-year-old Benjamin Eaton is documented as the first “foster child” in the colonies. While the specifics of his placement are less documented compared to modern cases, his story represents the nascent stages of recognizing the need to care for children outside of their birth families, even if the approach was rudimentary by today’s standards.
Laying the Groundwork for Modern Foster Care (1853)
The mid-19th century witnessed the emergence of initiatives that more closely resemble the foundations of modern foster care. Minister Charles Loring Brace, witnessing the plight of homeless and neglected children in New York City, established Children’s Aid New York in 1853. This organization provided crucial support – housing, food, education, and even “fresh air programs” – to thousands of vulnerable children. Importantly, Children’s Aid pioneered the Orphan Train Movement. Though controversial in retrospect, this program aimed to relocate orphaned children from overcrowded urban centers to families in the Midwest, offering them a chance at a family life and better opportunities, reflecting an early attempt at systematic out-of-home placement.
Local and State Government Involvement (Mid-to-Late 1800s)
The work of organizations like Children’s Aid New York began to influence broader societal approaches to child welfare. Local charities and state governments started to recognize and take on a more active role in foster care placements. Massachusetts, in the mid-1800s, pioneered financial support, offering payments to families who cared for children too young to work, acknowledging the economic burden and value of foster care. By the late 19th century, Pennsylvania introduced licensing for families caring for multiple unrelated children, signaling the beginnings of regulation and oversight in foster care practices, shifting from informal arrangements to more structured systems.
Child Protection Takes Center Stage (Early 1900s)
The early 20th century marks a crucial turning point, with laws and practices increasingly focused on the well-being of children rather than just the convenience of guardians or the management of poverty. Local agencies began to take on responsibilities such as paying and monitoring foster parents, maintaining records of placements, and, crucially, considering the individual needs of children when making placement decisions. The concept of reunification services emerged, aiming to support families in addressing issues that led to separation. Foster parents started to see themselves as part of a broader “foster care network,” moving away from isolated acts of charity towards a more coordinated and professionalized system.
Emphasizing Home Life and Stability (1919)
A landmark document, the “Minimum Standards of Child Welfare,” published in 1919 by the Children’s Bureau (part of the US Department of Labor), underscored the importance of a child’s home environment. It emphasized keeping children in their own homes whenever safely possible. If removal was necessary, the standards advocated for foster placements that offered a semblance of “home life,” highlighting the growing recognition of the emotional and developmental needs of children in care.
Federal Government Steps In (1935)
A pivotal moment in the history of foster care was the passage of the Social Security Act of 1935. This federal legislation marked the first time the U.S. federal government formally entered the realm of foster care, approving federal grants for child welfare services. A key condition for receiving these funds was that states had to implement inspections of foster homes, establishing a federal mandate for standards and oversight, and solidifying foster care as a recognized and supported national program. This act significantly expanded the reach and resources available for child welfare services across the country.
Foster Care as Refuge During Wartime (1939-1945)
World War II brought a unique dimension to foster care in the United States. Thousands of children fleeing the dangers of war in England were temporarily placed in American foster homes. This period highlighted the role of foster care as a safe haven and demonstrated the capacity of the system to respond to large-scale displacement and emergencies, further embedding foster care within the national consciousness as a vital protective mechanism for children.
The Rise of the CASA Model (1977)
The 1970s saw the introduction of a significant innovation in child advocacy: the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) model. In 1977, Judge David Soukup in Seattle, Washington, pioneered the concept of trained volunteers appointed by the court to provide individualized attention and advocacy for children in foster care. Unlike other professionals involved in a case, CASA volunteers were intended to remain with a child throughout their time in foster care, offering consistency, in-depth knowledge of the child’s needs, and detailed reports to the court. This model rapidly gained traction across the nation, leading to the establishment of CASA programs in numerous jurisdictions, including Voices for Children in San Diego County, co-founded in 1980.
National Foster Care Month Established (1988)
Formal recognition of the importance of foster care reached a national level in 1988 when President Reagan issued a presidential proclamation establishing May as National Foster Care Month. This annual observance serves to raise awareness about the needs of children in foster care, honor foster parents, and encourage community support for foster care programs, solidifying foster care as a nationally recognized and valued service.
Extended Foster Care for Young Adults (2012)
In recent decades, there has been a growing understanding of the unique challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care. California took a leading step in addressing this with the introduction of Extended Foster Care (EFC) in 2012, following the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 12 in 2010. This legislation allowed eligible youth to remain in foster care up to age 21, provided they met certain criteria such as pursuing education, employment, or managing a medical condition. This extension aimed to provide crucial support during the transition to adulthood, recognizing the continued needs of young people who have grown up in the foster care system.
Supporting Foster Youth Today
From its rudimentary beginnings in the English Poor Laws to the complex network of services and supports in place today, the foster care system in the United States has undergone a remarkable transformation. It reflects a growing societal commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring their well-being. While challenges remain, particularly in meeting the needs of over 400,000 children in foster care annually, the evolution of foster care demonstrates a continuous effort to improve and adapt to the evolving needs of children and families. The ongoing growth of programs like CASA and the development of extended foster care highlight the continued dedication to providing effective and compassionate care for children who need it most.
To contribute to the lives of foster youth, consider becoming a CASA volunteer. Sign up for an online volunteer Information Session today: https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer-2/information-sessions/
Sources
(1) Findlaw, Foster Care: Background and History
(2) National Foster Parent Association, History of Foster Care in the United States
(3) Children’s Aid, A History of Innovation
(4) Children’s Bureau, Standards of Child Welfare
(5) Children’s Bureau, Foster Care Month History
(6) CASA Guardian ad Litem (CASa/ GAL), The History of CASA/GAL Movement
(7) Adoption.org, When Did Foster Care Start?
(8) California Department of Social Services
