Dependency Definitions

Foster Care

Any facility or family providing 24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the State agency has placement and care responsibility.

Relative Care

Care provided to a child by a grandparent, great-grandparent, sibling, first cousin, aunt, uncle, great-aunt, great-uncle, niece, or nephew, whether related by the whole or half blood, by affinity, or by adoption. The term does not include a stepparent.

Homeless

Any individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or who has participated in a transitional living program. (McKinney-Vento Act)

Unaccompanied Youth

Youth, aged 21 or below, not living with a parent or guardian; includes youth who are residing with a caregiver who does not have legal guardianship and youth who are living on their own. (McKinney-Vento Act)

Ward of the State

Any individual under the protection of the State of Florida circuit courts and whose parental ties have been terminated by the State. (Florida Statute 744.102)