Illinois foster care services are supported 24 hours a day. Training is required for foster parents at all levels of care, as well as annual continuing education to enhance skills.

Traditional foster care serves youth who have been determined to be abused, neglected, or dependent.

Relative foster care allows children who have been determined to be abused, neglected, or dependent to be placed in the home of a relative.

Specialized foster care is designed for youth who have significant behavioral, developmental, or emotional problems and who require more intense services and monitoring.