Guides & Resources
Plain-language guides on foster care, child welfare, and the adoption process — backed by state-level data.
How to Become a Foster Parent — Requirements by State
Complete guide to becoming a foster parent. State requirements, training, home studies, and what to expect through the approval process.
Youth Aging Out of Foster Care — Statistics and Supports
What happens when young people age out of foster care at 18. Statistics on outcomes, challenges, and available supports by state.
Foster Care vs Adoption — Key Differences Explained
Understand the key differences between foster care and adoption: legal rights, costs, permanency, and what each path means for children and families.
How States Are Graded — PlainFoster Methodology
Explanation of how PlainFoster grades state foster care systems. Grading methodology, data sources, and what each metric measures.
How the Foster Care System Works — A Plain-Language Guide
Understand how the U.S. foster care system works: who makes decisions, how children enter care, and what agencies are involved.
Methodology
Our guides are based on publicly available data from authoritative government sources. All statistics, ratings, and figures cited in these guides are drawn directly from official datasets and publications, with sources clearly referenced throughout.
We aim to present complex government data in plain language that is accessible to general audiences. When methodologies differ between data sources or change over time, we note these variations inline. Our editorial process includes regular reviews to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.