- Foster care is a temporary living arrangement for children who have been abused or neglected and cannot safety remain at home. With oversight by a judge, the Department of Social Services places child(ren) in a safe alternative living arrangement and works to achieve permanency for those children.
- DSS provides training and monitors foster homes licensed to provide a family setting for a child in DSS foster care.
- Adoption provides a permanent home for a child. DSS can complete adoption home studies and file for legal adoptions.