Iowa KidsNet, the statewide organization that recruits, trains, licenses and supports Iowa’s foster and adoptive families, will hold an information session in Marshalltown on Jan. 12 for individuals interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents. 

Foster care is the temporary placement of children with families outside of their own home due to abuse, neglect or other family crisis situations. The goal is for loving families to provide children with a safe, stable and nurturing environment. There is no typical foster family — foster families can be single, married, homeowners or renters and can come from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. 

This information session gives attendees a basic overview of the process involved in foster care and adoption and an understanding of the characteristics of children in the child welfare system. There is no obligation to continue in the process by attending.