Care line

Other forms of care

Comparison of forms of arrangement

select a table:

Comparison criteria Guardianship, custody Adoptive family Large adoptive family (FTCH) Foster care
legal form family-based care of children family-based care of children family-based care of children social service
maximum number of children

for placement: unlimited


together with biological ones: unlimited

for placement: one to four


together with biological ones: unlimited

only children from the same family, or siblings


here the foster family has the intention and capacity, other children, but there shall be no more than five children not being members of the same family

legal status of the child

orphan child deprived of parental care


status retained until full age, adoption or other circumstances prescribed by the law

orphan child deprived of parental care


status retained until full age, adoption or other circumstances prescribed by the law

orphan child deprived of parental care


status retained until full age, adoption or other circumstances prescribed by the law

children in difficult life circumstances
legal status of parents

guardians, custodians


are legal representatives


have to take care of the child


do not acquire full rights and obligations of parents

adoptive parents


are legal representatives


have to take care of the child


do not acquire full rights and obligations of parents

caregiving parents


are legal representatives


ahave to take care of the child


ado not acquire full rights and obligations of parents

foster carers


provide the services of temporary care, upbringing and rehabilitation of a child in


and do not acquire rights and obligations of parents, legal representatives

Care line

How can you welcome a child into your family?
— Write to find out more!

If you have additional questions, our experts can help you develop a better understanding of the adoption procedure, and of family-based care of children.

How can you welcome a child into your family?— Write to find out more!